Mumbai: Amid rising tensions in Mira-Bhayandar, the police have denied permission for the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) planned march on Tuesday, July 8.
The authorities also imposed Section 144 in the area and have detained several party office-bearers overnight, including MNS district chief Avinash Jadhav. The march, set to begin at 10:00 am from Balaji Hotel, was aimed at protesting perceived injustices against Marathi-speaking citizens in the city.
Detentions, House Arrests, Section 144 Imposed
Police began taking preventive action late Monday night (July 7), raiding homes of MNS workers across the city. Several activists were detained, while others were placed under house arrest, casting doubt over the march’s execution.
Despite this, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande declared the party’s intent to proceed with the protest. However, Additional Commissioner of Police Datta Shinde issued a warning, saying, “Permission has been denied for the march. No one should gather at the announced location. Action will be taken against those who incite.”
He further added that security had been tightened across Mira-Bhayandar, especially near railway stations, junctions, and key intersections. “We have sufficient arrangements in place. Section 144 has been imposed, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people in the area. Citizens should follow police instructions and cooperate to maintain peace,” Shinde said, as quoted by ABP Majha.
In his appeal, Shinde clarified that any attempt to gather at the announced location would be deemed an illegal act. He emphasised that action would be taken against those suspected of disturbing public order, “Preventive action is underway. Detentions have been made based on reasonable grounds under the law. This is not a crackdown, it’s a necessary step to ensure law and order," he further added.
What Led to the Protests?
Tensions flared in Mira Road last week after seven MNS workers allegedly assaulted and threatened 44-year-old Babulal Chaudhary, owner of Jodhpur Sweet Shop, reportedly over a language-related dispute when one of his employees responded in Hindi.
The viral video of the incident triggered widespread outrage. In response, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari Dubey lashed out at Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, warning them against setting foot in Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. Interestingly, the Thackeray cousins, long estranged, had recently come together to push back against BJP over the Marathi language issue.
