A case of beating a migrant auto driver on 12 July 2025 in Palghar district of Maharashtra has come to light. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists slapped the driver because he refused to speak Marathi. The video of the incident went viral on social media, which further air the language dispute in the state.
In the viral video, the auto driver can be seen slapping and humiliating by the workers on a crowded road near Virar railway station. The driver had earlier argued with another migrant, Bhavesh Padolia, in which he said, “I will speak Hindi and Bhojpuri, not Marathi.” After the video of this statement went viral, Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS workers found the driver and assaulted him and forced them to apologize along with shouting slogans in Marathi.
Virar city chief Uday Jadhav of Shiv Sena (UBT), who was present at the scene, defended the action. He said, “Whoever insults Marathi language, Maharashtra or Marathi Manush will get an answer in the Shiv Sena style. We will not remain silent.” Jadhav claimed that the driver had insulted the Marathi culture and symbols. The driver was also asked to apologize to a man and his sister, with whom he had allegedly abused.
Police confirmed that the incident took place on Saturday, but no formal complaint has been filed yet. A senior police officer said, “We have seen viral videos and are investigating the facts, but no complaints have been received yet.” The incident is part of the ongoing tension in Maharashtra. Earlier on July 1, MNS activists slapped a food stall owner for not speaking Marathi at Bhayandra, Thane, after which seven activists were arrested.
