Mumbai: A video of a security guard allegedly disrespecting the Marathi language has gone viral on social media. The guard, reportedly working at L&T in Powai, was caught on camera saying, "Marathi gaya tel lagane" (Marathi can go to hell).
Following the video's circulation, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers arrived at the location and confronted the guard. Enraged by the perceived insult to Marathi, MNS workers allegedly assaulted him.
Video Shows MNS Action Against Security Guard
In a video posted on X by Lokshahi Marathi news portal, the security guard can be seen refusing to speak in Marathi during an argument. He can later be heard insulting the language leading to a heated argument.
Later in the video, he can be seen surrounded by a group of MNS workers. He can be seen standing with hands joined, in a gesture of apologising for his act. The party workers around him can be heard telling him to lower his arrogance and learn Marathi language if he hasn't learned it. There are no reports of any police action into the matter as of now.
Similar Incident Reported Recently
In a similar incident, a D-Mart employee in Versova of Andheri West, was allegedly attacked by MNS members for refusing to communicate in Marathi. The incident, which took place on March 25, reignited discussions on linguistic politics in Maharashtra.
According to reports, the controversy began when a video surfaced showing the employee responding to a customer’s request to speak in Marathi. The employee reportedly said, "Nahi aata meko Marathi, Main Hindi hi bolega, Kya karega? Jo karna hai wo kar" (I don’t know Marathi, I will speak only in Hindi. Do what you want). His remarks caught the attention of MNS leaders, prompting Versova unit president Sandesh Desai and other party workers to visit the store.
During the confrontation, the employee was allegedly slapped by MNS workers. A video of the altercation quickly spread online, showing the party members questioning the employee about his arrival in Mumbai and urging him to learn Marathi if he wished to continue working there. Following the incident, the employee reportedly issued an apology for his remarks, according to PTI.
