Language Row Erupts in Thane: Shopkeeper Slapped by MNS Workers for Refusing to Speak Marathi

Thane, Maharashtra – In a shocking incident that has reignited the debate over linguistic identity in Maharashtra, a shopkeeper in Thane was allegedly assaulted by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) after he refused to speak Marathi with customers. The episode, captured on a bystander’s smartphone, has since gone viral, sparking outrage and conversations across the state.

A Routine Day Turns Ugly

The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon in the bustling Naupada area of Thane, a city that sits on the outskirts of Mumbai and is known for its vibrant mix of cultures. According to eyewitnesses, the altercation began when a group of MNS workers entered the small electronics shop and asked the owner, identified as Ramesh Kumar, a North Indian migrant, a simple question in Marathi.

“When they asked him about the price of a mobile phone in Marathi, he replied in Hindi and said he didn’t understand,” said local resident Sushant Patil, who witnessed the exchange. “They told him he should learn Marathi if he wants to do business here. When he refused and continued speaking in Hindi, things got heated.”

Violence Caught on Camera

What followed was a scene that has since been widely condemned. The video, which quickly made its way to social media platforms, shows at least three men shouting at Kumar before one of them slaps him across the face. The others join in, raining blows and demanding he “respect Marathi language and culture.”

Customers and passersby tried to intervene, but the confrontation lasted several minutes before police arrived. The MNS workers fled the scene, leaving Kumar shaken and bruised.

Political Reactions and Outrage

The video’s circulation has sparked a political firestorm. The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, has long championed the cause of Marathi pride and has previously been involved in similar controversies. While some party members justified the workers’ actions as a defense of local culture, others—including leaders from rival parties—condemned the violence.

“This is not the Maharashtra we want,” said NCP leader Supriya Sule. “Respect for Marathi is important, but violence is never the answer. We must uphold the law and our tradition of tolerance.”

The Shiv Sena, a political ally of the MNS on many issues, issued a cautious statement urging restraint and dialogue. Meanwhile, the BJP called for strict action against those responsible.

Shopkeeper Speaks Out

Ramesh Kumar, still visibly shaken, spoke to reporters outside his shop. “I have lived in Thane for ten years and serve all customers equally,” he said. “I am trying to learn Marathi, but sometimes I struggle. I never expected to be beaten for this.”

Local business associations have rallied around Kumar, calling for increased police protection and urging authorities to ensure that all residents, regardless of language or origin, feel safe.

Police Investigation Underway

Thane police have registered a case against unidentified persons under charges of assault and intimidation. “We are examining the CCTV footage and the viral video,” said Senior Inspector Prashant Deshmukh. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. We will ensure justice is served.”

A Larger Debate

The incident has reignited the broader debate about language, migration, and identity in Maharashtra. While Marathi is the official state language, Thane and Mumbai are home to millions of migrants from across India, making linguistic tensions a recurring flashpoint.

As the city recovers from the shock, civic leaders and citizens alike are calling for calm and mutual respect. “Maharashtra’s strength lies in its diversity,” said local activist Meera Kulkarni. “We must embrace every language and culture, not use them as weapons.”

For Ramesh Kumar and countless others, the hope is that dialogue and understanding will prevail over division and violence.