The Marathi language row took a violent turn on Saturday when five people were detained for vandalising the Worli office of investor and mentor Sushil Kedia. The incident followed Kedia’s social media post challenging Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over the Marathi language debate.
According to officials, a group of individuals arrived at Kedia’s Kedianomics office on Saturday morning, hurled stones at the premises, and shouted slogans in support of the Marathi language and Raj Thackeray.
The controversy began when Kedia, reacting to the recent assault of a stall owner in Bhayander by MNS workers for not speaking Marathi, posted a provocative message on X. He wrote that despite living in Mumbai for 30 years, he had no plans to learn Marathi and vowed not to do so as a protest against the "gross misconduct" of the MNS.
However, following the vandalism and mounting political pressure, Kedia took to social media again, this time posting an emotional apology. In a video, he clarified that his earlier remarks were made in a moment of mental stress and duress.
“Having come under pressure mentally from the violence inflicted on those who do not know Marathi, I ended up overreacting,” he said.
Kedia also praised Raj Thackeray, calling him a leader with strength and courage. He described himself as an “ardent follower” of the MNS chief and expressed regret for his words, saying he acted out of concern over the growing conflict between communities.
Police have increased security outside Kedia’s office, while further investigations are underway.
