Auto Driver Assaulted in Virar Over Language Row; Uddhav Sena Workers Force Public Apology
Viral video sparks outrage as regional pride turns violent amid rising tensions over linguistic identity in Maharashtra
In a disturbing incident that has ignited fierce debate across Maharashtra, a rickshaw driver in Virar was publicly assaulted and humiliated by alleged workers of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) for refusing to speak in Marathi. The assault was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, drawing criticism and concern over growing intolerance linked to language politics.
The controversy began earlier this week when a video surfaced showing the driver defiantly stating, “I will speak Hindi, Bhojpuri — what will you do about it?” His remarks, laced with offensive language, triggered outrage among sections of the public and Marathi-speaking groups.
On Saturday evening, near the Virar railway station, a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers allegedly located the driver and confronted him. The video evidence shows the man being slapped and forced to issue a public apology: “I apologize to the Marathi people, I apologize to Maharashtra.” The man is seen folding his hands, appearing visibly shaken as bystanders looked on.
Uday Jadhav, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Virar city chief, was reportedly present during the incident and later told the media, “If anyone dares to insult the Marathi language or the people of Maharashtra, they will get a reply in the true Shiv Sena style.” His remarks have drawn both support and condemnation, exposing deep divides in public opinion.
While some have lauded the Sena workers for defending Marathi pride, many others have expressed alarm at the use of vigilante-style justice. Legal experts and civil society groups argue that resorting to violence over language preferences is unlawful and erodes the democratic principle of freedom of expression.
No police action has been taken yet, raising further concerns about selective law enforcement. The absence of an FIR or public statement from the police has only fuelled fears of rising impunity under the guise of cultural or regional assertion.
The Virar assault comes on the heels of a similar incident in Bhayander on July 1, where a food stall owner was slapped by alleged workers of Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for not speaking in Marathi. That incident also led to protests from local traders and a counter-demonstration by the MNS on July 8, joined controversially by members of opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
The convergence of opposition parties at the MNS-led rally has revealed new political alignments, with language identity being used as a rallying point. Analysts say that such moves, while appealing to certain voter bases, risk inflaming communal tensions and legitimising public intimidation.
As debates intensify over ‘Marathi asmita’ (pride) and linguistic rights, the state faces a pressing question: how to balance cultural preservation with the constitutional guarantee of individual freedoms. For now, the silence from law enforcement and the growing normalisation of public violence over language suggest that the debate is far from over.
