Migrant Auto Driver Attacked by Uddhav Sena Workers for 'Hindi Speaking' Video

A migrant auto-rickshaw driver in Maharashtra's Palghar district was brutally beaten by supporters of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) following a viral video confrontation over the use of Marathi language.

A video showed the driver threatening a local youth near Virar station, refusing to speak Marathi and insisting on Hindi and Bhojpuri. This led to outrage among local political groups, resulting in the driver being assaulted in public near the same station.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers, including women, publicly thrashed the driver, making him apologize for allegedly disrespecting Marathi language and icons. Local leaders defended the action, stating that insulting Marathi would not be tolerated.

Despite the video circulating widely, police reported no formal complaints or cases filed yet. Tensions over language issues have also been seen in neighboring districts, with MNS workers allegedly assaulting a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi.

Traders protested against the incident, leading to further demonstrations defending Marathi pride and resulting in the detention of several party workers.

According to the source: India Today.