Hindi vs Marathi Clash: Palghar Auto Driver Attacked by Sena, MNS Workers

A disturbing incident unfolded in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, where an auto-rickshaw driver was assaulted for asserting his right to speak in Hindi. The attack, carried out by workers of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), occurred near Virar railway station. The incident, captured on video and has sparked outrage and reignited debates over linguistic identity in Maharashtra.

Auto Driver assaulted over Hindi Remark

The altercation began when the driver reportedly told a passenger he preferred speaking Hindi over Marathi. This statement provoked a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers, who surrounded his auto-rickshaw, verbally abused him, and slapped him multiple times. The crowd demanded an apology, accusing Yadav of disrespecting Marathi culture. Despite his attempts to explain, the situation escalated, leaving the driver humiliated and shaken.

Auto driver is beaten by Shivsena and MNS workers for disrespecting the Marathi language...#MarathiNews #marathilanguagerow #Virar#palghar #MBVVpolice @Dev_Fadnavis @DGPMaharashtra pic.twitter.com/mxkPYUES4L

— Indrajeet chaubey (@indrajeet8080) July 13, 2025

A local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Sanjay Patil, justified the assault, stating, “Shiv Sena knows how to respond to insults against Marathi identity.” He claimed the driver’s refusal to speak Marathi was provocative, framing the attack as a defense of regional pride. The MNS, known for its aggressive stance on Marathi supremacy, echoed similar sentiments, intensifying concerns about linguistic intolerance in the region.

Tensions erupt in Palghar

The viral video has drawn sharp criticism from netizens and activists, who condemned the assault as an attack on personal freedom. Local police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, but no arrests have been reported yet. Community leaders are urging calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Marathi Identity Row

This incident highlights the sensitive issue of linguistic diversity in Maharashtra, where Marathi pride often clashes with India’s multilingual fabric. As Palghar grapples with the fallout, calls for stricter action against such violence grow louder, emphasizing the need for unity over division in the state’s cultural landscape.