‘Delhi Se Hai, Double Paisa Le’: Navi Mumbai Family With Toddler Alleges Auto Drivers Harassed Them For Not Speaking Marathi – Caught On Video
‘Delhi Se Hai, Double Paisa Le’: Navi Mumbai Family With Toddler Alleges Auto Drivers Harassed Them For Not Speaking Marathi – Caught On Video
A video of a family allegedly being harassed and threatened by auto drivers in Navi Mumbai has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage over rising cases of language-based intimidation in Maharashtra.
The clip, shared by the account Zoyali Reel Life, showed a netizen recounting the ordeal. According to the post, the incident took place on the stretch between Koparkhairane and Ghansoli. The post alleged that an auto rammed into their car, broke the number plate, and then called in more rickshaws to block their way. The family, which had a six-month-old baby inside, claimed they were harassed, threatened for money, and targeted for not speaking Marathi.
The post carried the caption: “Last night from Koparkhairane to Ghansoli, an auto rammed into us, broke our number plate & then called in 3–4 rickshaws to block our car. With our 6-month-old baby inside, we were harassed, threatened for money & even targeted for not being Marathi. The guy in purple started yelling, “SPEAK MARATHI, YE MAHARASHTRA HAI!” The auto driver said, “DELHI SE HAI DOUBLE PAISA LE ISSE!” This is the reality outsiders face in Maharashtra. Safety shouldn’t come with conditions.”
An overlay text on the video also read, “Speak Marathi!” This is Maharashtra! Harassed by locals for not speaking Marathi! Maharashtra is not safe for outsiders!”
Family Narrates the Incident
One of the family members, Zoya Zakari, narrated the incident. She said she was travelling from Koparkhairane to Ghansoli at around 10 pm with her husband, their six-month-old baby, her aunt, and her aunt’s children.
According to her, an auto allegedly came from the wrong side and rammed into their car. While the auto sustained only minor damage, the family’s number plate broke completely. Zoya reportedly said that when they tried reasoning, the driver insisted it was their fault. She added that the driver eventually waved them off, and they thought the matter was settled.
Zoya alleged that shortly after, another auto blocked their way, followed by three to four more rickshaws. The drivers reportedly demanded that the family step out of their car. She claimed that the family felt unsafe since none of them could speak Marathi.
She further alleged that the auto drivers and some union members surrounded their vehicle and demanded money. According to her, they were asked to pay between ₹4,000 and ₹5,000.
Zoya said the drivers allegedly mocked their Delhi number plate and made comments such as, “This is Maharashtra; speak Marathi” and “Take double money from them; they’re from Delhi.”
She added that even when they offered to pay for minor damage, the auto drivers exaggerated the amount. The family was allegedly taken to a garage where the mechanic, said to be a friend of the driver, quoted a higher repair charge.
“The mechanic turned out to be the driver’s friend and claimed the repairs would cost ₹1,000. Under pressure, we ended up paying ₹1,200,” Zoya said.
The family, travelling with their six-month-old baby, alleged that they were harassed and forced to pay money. They also claimed that they were targeted for not being Marathi speakers.
The incident comes amid growing concern over similar cases in the state. Just last month, seven unidentified men, allegedly linked to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), were booked in Mira Road for assaulting a sweet shop owner for not speaking Marathi.
