An auto driver in Palghar, Maharashtra, was assaulted for speaking Hindi. Viral videos show Shiv Sena and MNS workers involved in the assault. Police are investigating, but no FIR has been filed yet.
Maharashtra: In the Virar area of Palghar district, Maharashtra, an auto driver was assaulted simply because he stated he would speak in Hindi and not Marathi. Following a viral video, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers surrounded the driver at the station and publicly slapped him.
Dispute Originated on Social Media
The entire dispute began with a video that went viral on social media. The video shows a heated argument between a man named Bhavesh Padolia and an auto driver regarding the Marathi language. When Bhavesh asked the auto driver why he didn't speak Marathi, the auto driver replied, "I will speak Hindi, I will speak Bhojpuri, not Marathi."
This statement by the driver was not well-received by many local people. As soon as the video went viral, the matter escalated, and on Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers identified the driver at Virar station, surrounded him, and began slapping him publicly.
Shiv Sena Leader's Clarification
Uday Jadhav, the Virar city chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), was also present at the scene. Speaking to the media, he said, "If anyone insults Maharashtra, the Marathi language, or Marathi people, Shiv Sena knows how to respond."
Jadhav further stated that the auto driver had insulted Marathi identity. Therefore, it was necessary to teach him that such statements would not be accepted while residing in Maharashtra. He also claimed that the driver later apologized.
Women Were Also Involved in the Crowd
The video of the entire incident is rapidly going viral on social media. The video also shows that women were among those involved in the assault. The crowd surrounded the driver, misbehaved with him, and publicly humiliated him.
Police Have Not Filed an FIR Yet
Palghar police have not filed any First Information Report (FIR) yet. Police officials say that the video has come to their notice and the matter is being investigated. However, no written complaint has been submitted by either side so far.
Such Incidents Have Happened Before
This is not the first time that such violence has occurred in Maharashtra over language. On July 1, MNS workers in Thane slapped a street food vendor because he was not speaking Marathi. After that incident, traders held a protest.
