A video allegedly showing Shiv Sena (UBT) workers assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has gone viral on social media, triggering concerns over vigilante-style justice and rising linguistic tensions in the state.
The incident occurred near Virar railway station on Saturday. In the widely circulated footage, a group of party workers, including women, are seen slapping the auto driver on a busy street. He is then made to publicly apologise to a man and his sister, whom he had allegedly misbehaved with earlier. The driver is also seen apologising to the state of Maharashtra for reportedly insulting its language, culture and icons.
According to local reports, the driver, a migrant living in Virar, had allegedly made derogatory remarks about the Marathi language and prominent Marathi figures. A clip of these remarks surfaced online prior to the assault, sparking outrage among political outfits and sections of the public.
Despite the viral video, police have not registered a case as no formal complaint has been filed yet. "We have seen the video and are verifying its authenticity, but so far, no party has approached us with a complaint," a senior police officer said on Sunday.
Uday Jadhav, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Virar city chief who was present during the assault, justified the group's actions. “If anyone insults Marathi language or culture, they will face consequences in true Shiv Sena style. We won’t remain silent,” he told reporters. “The driver was made to apologise to the people of Maharashtra and those he offended,” Jadhav added.
The incident comes at a time when linguistic pride is becoming a flashpoint in the state’s political discourse. Earlier this month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly assaulted a food stall owner in Bhayander for not speaking Marathi. That incident led to a counter-protest by local traders, and was followed by a Marathi pride rally in Mira-Bhayandar on July 8, led by the MNS and supported by Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Several activists were detained during the protest march.
