Mumbai: Shiv Sena deputy leader and spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam on Friday demanded stringent action against those “spreading terror in the name of language,” referring to the alleged assault at a Physics Wallah coaching centre in Nashik.
Mr. Nirupam called for strong police measures, including the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) if allegations of extortion are established during the investigation. He accused Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and party workers of forcing newly recruited teachers — reportedly from North India — to speak Marathi and resorting to violence. He described the incident as “a form of terrorism”.
According to local media reports, MNS activists allegedly created a ruckus two days ago at a Physics Wallah branch on Sharanpur Road, claiming that students were being compelled to speak in Hindi. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing activists confronting staff and insisting they speak Marathi. A staff member was allegedly assaulted during the altercation.
Students present at the scene were heard telling the activists that a staff member had called them “mannerless”. Following this, the activists allegedly assaulted the staff member and warned them to learn Marathi within eight days.
A case has been registered against six MNS activists at Sarkarwada police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 115(2) (assault), Section 126 (wrongful restraint), and Section 351 (criminal intimidation).
Nashik Police identified the accused as Akshay Kombade, Lalit Wagh, Rohit Ugavkar, Bajirao Mate, Mayur Buchkule, and Meghraj Navale. The accused were traced through CCTV footage.
“Notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been served, and preventive action under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been initiated against all six individuals,” said Sandeep Mitke, ACP (Crime Branch), Nashik city.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nirupam said that while his party respects the insistence on promoting Marathi in Maharashtra, it does not support “violence and hooliganism in the name of the language”.
He further alleged that there were reports suggesting MNS workers attempted to extort money from the coaching institute’s owner. “If the allegations of extortion are proven, action should be taken under MCOCA,” he said.
Mr. Nirupam reiterated that Marathi must be respected in the state but criticised what he termed “politics of hatred and violence”. He also claimed that voters had rejected divisive politics in recent local elections and noted that the ‘Mahayuti’ government had secured classical language status for Marathi from the Centre.
