A viral video showing an auto-rickshaw driver being assaulted by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in Maharashtra’s Palghar district for alleged anti-Marathi remarks has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday near Virar railway station, has intensified tensions over linguistic pride in the state.

The driver, a migrant living in Virar, allegedly made derogatory comments about the Marathi language, Maharashtra, and its cultural icons, according to a prior social media clip that drew sharp backlash. In the latest video, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers, including women, are seen slapping the driver on a busy road and forcing him to publicly apologize to a man, his sister, and the state for his remarks.

Uday Jadhav, Shiv Sena (UBT) Virar city chief, defended the assault, stating, “Anyone insulting the Marathi language or Maharashtra will face true Shiv Sena-style justice. We made him apologize for his audacity.”

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Police confirmed the incident but noted no formal complaint has been filed, and no case has been registered yet. “We’re verifying the facts from the viral video, but no one has come forward with a complaint,” a senior official said.

The incident follows a similar episode on July 1, when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers attacked a Bhayander food stall owner for not speaking Marathi, prompting a traders’ protest. On July 8, MNS, joined by Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) activists, held a march in Mira Bhayandar to defend Marathi pride, leading to detentions by police.

The recurring violence over language issues has raised concerns about escalating tensions in Maharashtra, with social media amplifying public outrage.

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