Mumbai: A young man demanding the use of Marathi was forced to apologise by a mob recently, sparking a major controversy. The incident took place on Thursday in Mumbra when a Marathi youth, Vishal Gawli, asked a non-local fruit vendor to converse in Marathi.

In retaliation, the vendor and a crowd compelled him to apologise in Hindi and hold his ears. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has expressed outrage over this incident, while the Mumbra police, instead of supporting the Marathi youth, filed a non-cognizable offence against him based on the complaints of the fruit vendors.

Avinash Jadhav Expresses Frustration Over Language Dispute Incidents

Speaking to Marathi news channels, MNS leader Avinash Jadhav said, “This is the fourth incident in the Thane district alone, following similar cases in Kalyan, Thane, and Nalasopara. If a boy asking someone to speak in Marathi has to apologize in Maharashtra, it is deeply unfortunate. What is the point of granting Marathi the status of a classical language if no laws are in place to protect its dignity?”

Jadhav stressed the need for laws alongside recognition of Marathi as a classical language. “If Marathi is not respected in Maharashtra, then what use is this status? There must be a law stating that derogatory remarks or refusal to acknowledge Marathi will result in legal action. I will approach the DCP about this incident. It is appalling that those opposing the youth had the audacity to shout slogans at the police station and demand action against him,” he stated. He also demanded immediate action against the mob, highlighting that the youth was threatened and humiliated for defending Marathi.

Jadhav’s Warning To Anyone Who Tries To Harm The Youth

Expressing strong support for Vishal Gawli, Jadhav declared, “The boy is scared now, but the MNS stands firmly by him. If anyone dares to harm him, we will enter their homes and show them what the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is capable of.”

What Exactly Led To The Controversy?

The incident occurred when Vishal, visiting a fruit vendor to purchase goods, inquired about prices in Marathi. The vendor, Shoaib Qureshi, became agitated, stating he could only speak Hindi. When Vishal questioned why the vendor, living in Maharashtra, didn’t know Marathi, a heated argument broke out, drawing a large crowd. The mob forced Vishal to apologise, and a video of the incident went viral. The youth was eventually handed over to the police, who registered a case against him.