12 Shiv Sena Members Arrested for Vandalizing Mumbai Studio Over Kunal Kamra’s Video

A group of 12 Shiv Sena members, all supporters of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, were arrested for vandalizing Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar on March 23. The attack followed a viral video in which stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) for his role in the Shiv Sena split. Despite the arrests, all 12 individuals secured bail on the same day.

Who Were the Key Figures Behind the Vandalism?

Rahool Kanal – The Lead Accused

A prominent Sena leader from Bandra, Rahool Kanal is well-known for his connections with Bollywood celebrities and sports figures. Formerly a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, he switched to Shinde’s faction in 2023 and now serves on the Yuva Sena core committee. Kanal led the attack on the studio but later claimed that the incident was not pre-planned, blaming it on “the heat of the moment.”

In his defense, Kanal alleged that the studio owner, Balraj, provoked them by “misbehaving” and speaking “rudely” when questioned about hosting Kamra’s show. He also emphasized that they carried no weapons or party flags, asserting that had it been a planned act, they “would have come prepared.”

On Thursday, Kanal escalated the matter further by filing a complaint against Kamra at the Khar police station, alleging financial irregularities in his YouTube transactions and suggesting the possibility of unlawful fund movement.

Kunal Sarmalkar – Labor Union Leader

A long-time Sena member, Sarmalkar is the president of the Navik General Kamgar Sena and Vidyut General Kamgar Sena, as well as the general secretary of the Airport Aviation Employment Union. He also serves on the Mumbai Suburban District Planning Committee.

Akshay Panvelkar – Party Strategist

Panvelkar was a Yuva Sena member before joining Shinde’s faction in 2023. He now handles the party’s North Central Mumbai Lok Sabha affairs and remains active in youth leadership.

Vilas Chawari – Former Corporator

Chawari, a corporator from Mumbai’s 99th ward (2007-2012), unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Assembly elections from Bandra East. He later took on a senior coordinating role in the undivided Shiv Sena before shifting to Shinde’s side in 2023.

Rahul Turbadkar – Khar West Sena Leader

A close associate of Kanal, Turbadkar currently serves as the Shiv Sena ward president of Khar West. He previously worked with a local workers’ union.

Amin Shaikh – No Regrets Over the Incident

Shaikh, the Sena shakha pramukh (branch head) for Ward 98, expressed no remorse for the vandalism. Speaking to The New indians, he stated that they “did what they were supposed to do.”

Other Arrested Individuals:

• Govind alias Paddy – Kanal’s personal assistant and key liaison for Sena communications.
• Sameer Mahapadi – Yuva Sena member and loyalist of Kanal and Sarmalkar.
• Shobha Palve – A shakha pramukh who joined Shinde’s faction with her supporters in 2023.
• Shashank Kode – Husband of a Sena shakha pramukh in Bandra-Khar, a long-time Shinde supporter.
• Sandeep Malap – Former undivided Sena member, switched to Shinde’s party in 2023.
• Ganesh Rane – Yuva Sena member from Khar, aligned with Kanal.

Political Fallout

The attack on the studio has intensified tensions between the Shiv Sena factions. While Shinde’s supporters defend their actions as a response to Kamra’s “disrespectful” remarks, others see it as an attack on free speech. With Kanal now filing a fresh complaint against Kamra, the controversy is expected to escalate further.