MNS Leader Avinash Jadhav Detained Before Rally; Traders Seek Action for Attack on Food Stall Owner

Police detained Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) local leader Avinash Jadhav early Tuesday morning ahead of a planned rally in Thane to counter traders' protests against MNS members slapping a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi. The proposed rally by Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti in Mira Bhayander area was denied police permission. Police officials issued orders restricting Jadhav, who serves as MNS's Thane and Palghar head, from entering the Mira Bhayander area. He was taken into custody from his Thane residence around 3.30am, according to news agency PTI.

The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on July 1, when MNS activists slapped a food stall owner in Bhayander for not speaking Marathi. A viral video showed some attackers wearing scarves with MNS symbols asking the stall owner to speak in Marathi, leading to an altercation and assault. Seven MNS members were temporarily detained and released after receiving police notices. Police filed a case against them under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, threatening, and assault.

Local traders in Bhayander area organized a protest demanding action against those who assaulted the food stall owner. In response, MNS planned a counter-rally. Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar Deputy Commissioner of Police Prakash Gaikwad issued a prohibitory order on Monday preventing Jadhav from entering the area. The police order noted that Jadhav had 28 cases of cognizable offenses registered against him at various police stations.

MNS members have been actively campaigning for increased use of the Marathi language in commercial establishments and banks throughout Maharashtra.

According to the source: Times of India.