A dispute over the compulsory use of the Marathi language among auto-rickshaw drivers in Mumbai's Kandivali area escalated into physical violence and a road blockade. The incident occurred in the Hindustan Naka locality along Kandivali Link Road, reigniting debate around language requirements and regional identity in the city.
Violent Clash at Hindustan Naka Early in the Morning
The conflict unfolded early in the morning when Marathi auto driver Prakash Bandu Shejwal was transporting passengers through the Hindustan Naka area. A group of non-Marathi auto drivers intercepted his vehicle, claiming that an auto strike and shutdown were underway. Shejwal responded that despite being Marathi himself, he had received no prior notification or information regarding any strike. However, the crowd ignored his clarification, and the verbal disagreement rapidly degenerated into a physical fight.
During the assault, the group misbehaved with Shejwal and physically attacked him. The aggressors also vandalized his auto-rickshaw by snapping off its front wiper. Shejwal sustained a serious injury to his lip as a result of the sudden violence.
Link Road Blocked for 25 Minutes
Following the altercation, non-Marathi auto drivers parked their vehicles across the center of Kandivali Link Road in protest. The roadblock brought traffic along the major thoroughfare to a complete standstill for 25 minutes. The sudden blockage caused significant disruption for regular commuters and early morning travelers navigating the route.
MNS Workers Intervene and Hand Over Suspect to Police
As news of the assault spread, members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) responded to the scene. Dinesh Salvi, the local MNS department head, arrived at Hindustan Naka along with party activists. MNS workers apprehended one suspect auto driver involved in the assault red-handed at the location and turned him over to the Kandivali Police for legal action.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Clarifies Marathi Policy
Addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding mandatory Marathi proficiency for auto, taxi, and cab drivers across Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a clarifying statement. CM Fadnavis stated that the state government is not attempting to turn Hindi-speaking drivers into Marathi scholars or experts. Rather, the objective is to ensure they possess basic working knowledge of Marathi to communicate effectively with passengers during daily operations.
Chief Minister Fadnavis further noted that the deadline provided for drivers to acquire this basic proficiency has already been extended three times. He reassured the public that the Mahayuti government will ensure no citizen faces injustice based on language and that the interests of every community will be protected.
