Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 4: A wave of unrest swept through Mira Road on Thursday as hundreds of shopkeepers and traders staged a protest condemning the assault on a sweet mart owner by members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), allegedly for not speaking in Marathi. The incident has triggered widespread concern among the local business community, particularly among Gujarati and Marwadi traders, who fear they could be the next targets of such attacks.
The victim, Babulal Khimaji Chaudhary (48), who runs the Jodhpur Sweet Mart in Mira Road, was reportedly attacked by a group of MNS workers late on the night of June 29. According to Chaudhary, a group of seven young men entered his shop around 10.35 pm and asked for water. When the cashier failed to respond in Marathi, the group allegedly turned abusive and violent. Sporting scarves bearing the MNS symbol, the men reportedly assaulted Chaudhary and threatened to destroy his shop if he did not comply with their language demands.
Speaking to the media, Chaudhary said he was punched in the face, neck, and head. He was also allegedly threatened with being burnt alive along with his shop. The attackers reportedly filmed the incident and circulated the footage online, adding to the outrage.
On Thursday, large numbers of traders and shopkeepers assembled in the Shanti Park area, shutting down their establishments in protest. They expressed fear and concern over the rising trend of linguistic intolerance and called for swift action against the perpetrators. Many of them, long-time residents of Mira-Bhayander, stated that while they respect Maharashtra and the Marathi language, forcing them to speak only Marathi was unfair and unconstitutional.
Local police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for unlawful assembly and voluntarily causing harm. CCTV footage has helped identify the culprits, and notices have been issued. Two of the accused reportedly have past records of assault, and the matter is being escalated to the Deputy Commissioner of Police level for further action.
The protest ended after Deputy Commissioner of Police Prakash Gaikwad assured the gathering that strict measures would be taken and no trader would be allowed to live in fear.
The incident has once again brought to the fore the issue of linguistic harmony and tolerance in a diverse state like Maharashtra. The police have promised a fair and impartial investigation to uphold the law and ensure communal peace in the region.