MNS Workers Booked For Assaulting Sweet Shop Owner Over Marathi On Mira Road
MNS workers allegedly assaulted a shop owner at Jodhpur Sweets in Mira Road for refusing to speak Marathi. Police have registered a case, and tensions remain high in the area.
The ongoing debate over linguistic identity in Maharashtra escalated in Mira Road after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers assaulted a shop owner for allegedly refusing to speak Marathi. The incident occurred near Balaji Hotel, where MNS workers, including Mira Bhayandar Deputy Mayor Karan Kandangire, reportedly confronted the owner of Jodhpur Sweets after he responded in Hindi.
According to reports, the MNS workers had stopped by the shop to get water. When the shopkeeper responded in Hindi, they asked him to speak in Marathi — the local language of the state. Upon his refusal, a heated exchange followed. The situation turned violent, with workers accusing the owner of disrespecting the state’s language and culture. A video of the altercation has since gone viral on social media.
The assault comes amid rising tensions over the perceived imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra. Earlier, on the eve of the legislative session, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the cancellation of two government resolutions (GRs) related to Hindi language requirements. This move was seen as a victory by Marathi language advocates and sparked celebrations by MNS workers across the state — including in Mira Bhayandar.
While statewide celebrations were underway, the Mira Road incident has further ignited the debate. Following the clash, MNS workers issued a warning to migrants in the city: respect the local language and culture, or face consequences. “Those who disrespect Marathi will not be spared,” said Kandangire.
The Kashimira Police have taken serious note of the incident and filed an FIR against the involved MNS workers under multiple sections of the IPC. Investigations are ongoing, and police have urged all parties to maintain peace.
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