VIRAR : A disturbing incident took place near Virar railway station where workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) allegedly assaulted a rickshaw driver for refusing to speak in Marathi and insisting on using Hindi instead.
The rickshaw driver, identified as Raju Patwa, reportedly got into a heated argument with a local youth who questioned him for not speaking Marathi in Maharashtra. Patwa allegedly responded aggressively, stating, “I will speak only in Hindi,” and refused to engage in Marathi. A video of the confrontation quickly went viral, showing the driver snatching the youth’s mobile phone and challenging him.
Soon after, members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) reached the spot and physically assaulted the driver, accusing him of disrespecting the Marathi language. Another video surfaced showing the driver apologizing for his earlier behavior and promising to respect the local language in the future.
Key Details:
Location: Near Virar Railway Station, Palghar District, Maharashtra
Victim: Rickshaw driver Raju Patwa, reportedly a migrant from Uttar Pradesh
Accusation: Refusing to speak Marathi, insisting on speaking Hindi
Action Taken: Assault by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers; apology issued by the driver
Background & Reactions:
This incident comes amid rising tension over language use in Maharashtra. Political parties like Shiv Sena and MNS have often emphasized the importance of Marathi language and identity, while clashes with non-Marathi speaking migrants have stirred controversy.
The video has sparked debate on social media, with some defending regional pride and others condemning the use of violence.
Legal experts and civil society members have urged authorities to maintain peace and uphold the law while promoting linguistic harmony.
