Speak Marathi or Get Beaten? Shocking Attacks in Mumbai Spark Outrage

In recent months, Mumbai and its surrounding areas have seen a troubling surge in assaults motivated by linguistic intolerance, particularly targeting individuals who do not speak Marathi. Multiple incidents have been reported where shopkeepers, employees, and residents were harassed, threatened, or physically attacked by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and others demanding the use of the Marathi language in daily interactions.

One of the most widely reported incidents occurred in Mira Road at a sweets shop named Jodhpur Sweets. A 48-year-old shopkeeper was assaulted by MNS workers after he told them he didn’t speak Marathi. The attack was caught on video and widely circulated, sparking outrage across the city. In protest, local traders observed a bandh (shutdown), demanding the arrest of the perpetrators and protection for non-Marathi speaking business owners. Similarly, in Thane, an employee from Rajasthan was beaten when he replied that all languages are spoken in Mumbai, refusing to speak Marathi on demand.

In another shocking case from Dombivli, two women—one of whom was carrying her infant child—were attacked in their residential society after using English during a conversation. The incident escalated after one of the accused objected to their choice of language and physically assaulted them, twisting one woman’s arm and calling others to join in the attack. A similar event occurred in Powai where a security guard was slapped by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi.

These incidents reflect a growing trend where regional pride is being misused to justify violence and discrimination. While promoting the Marathi language is not inherently problematic, forcing it through intimidation and assault is unlawful. Legal experts and civil rights advocates have emphasized that the Indian Constitution grants every citizen the freedom to communicate in the language of their choice.

Political leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra’s Home Minister, have condemned the violence and called for calm. Legal action has been initiated in several cases, but citizens and trade bodies continue to demand stronger enforcement and protection against such coercive tactics. The incidents have raised serious concerns about growing intolerance and the need to uphold linguistic and cultural harmony in a diverse city like Mumbai.