MNS Goons Assault Mumbai Coaching Centre Head Over Alleged Fee Fraud

In a disturbing escalation of violence, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers assaulted Siddharth Singh Chandel, head of Siddhartha Logic coaching centre in Kalyan, Mumbai, over allegations of charging high fees without conducting classes. A viral two-and-a-half-minute video shows three MNS men confronting Chandel, slapping him, and hurling a steel bottle and wooden plaque at him while he attempts to de-escalate. The attack, witnessed by students including young girls, one filming on her phone, underscores a growing wave of MNS-led violence targeting perceived “anti-Marathi” actions, with no arrests despite video evidence.

The incident follows similar assaults, including attacks on a Mira Road shopkeeper, a Vikhroli vendor, and migrant auto drivers, all linked to MNS’s campaign against non-Marathi speakers after the state’s April and June orders mandating Hindi in schools. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief, has defended these acts, praising his “soldiers” for protecting Marathi pride, while issuing media gag orders to party members to avoid backlash. A Supreme Court petition accuses Thackeray of hate speech, seeking MNS’s derecognition for inciting violence against north Indians.

Maharashtra Home Minister Yogesh Kadam’s response, focusing on punishing “disrespect” to Marathi rather than the assailants, has drawn criticism, with no legal action against MNS workers despite public outcry and police questioning in some cases.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, facing pressure from bank unions and BJP’s north Indian voter base ahead of Bihar polls, has condemned the violence but stopped short of decisive action. The MNS’s aggressive push, backed by Thackeray’s alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) against Hindi imposition, signals a volatile prelude to Mumbai’s civic elections, raising fears of further unrest.

Also Read: Raj Thackeray Greets Uddhav on 65th Birthday, Signals Unity

Also Read: Raj Thackeray Threatens School Shutdowns Over Hindi