A bizarre video of men apparently trying to push an autorickshaw into a train has gone viral on social media, with the footage being shared amid Maharashtra’s ongoing Marathi language row. The unusual scene has sparked a wave of reactions online after the state government launched its first major enforcement drive to check whether autorickshaw and taxi drivers can demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi.
‘Marathi seekh lo, warna aapka bhi yahi haal hoga’
The video was posted by social media user @pawanraja808080 and shows a group of men attempting to shove an autorickshaw into what appears to be a train’s luggage section. The bizarre effort was described by Pawan as an attempt by drivers to flee Maharashtra following the RTO’s action.
“Bhaiyon, RTO ki karawhi ke baad, marathi na seekhne waale dekho apni auto leke train me jabardasti ghusa ke bhaag rahe hai apne gaon,” Pawan said.
In English, he said: “Brothers, after the RTO’s action, look at those who don’t want to learn Marathi. They are forcing their auto into a train and running back to their villages.”
He further said, “Sabhi log Marathi seekh lo warna aapka bhi yahi haal hoga. Bhaagne ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Jab kamana khana yaha hai toh marathi seekh lo.”
(“Everyone, learn Marathi, otherwise this will be your fate too. There is no need to run away. If you earn your living here, then learn Marathi.”)
While the video does not independently establish that the men were actually fleeing Maharashtra because of the language requirement, its timing has given the footage a new context online.
422 drivers get notices
The video emerged as RTO flying squads recently checked 1,430 autorickshaw and taxi drivers across Mumbai. Officials issued show-cause notices to 422 drivers who failed to demonstrate the required practical knowledge of Marathi.
The inspections were conducted at major transport hubs, including Bandra, Goregaon, Kurla, Dadar, Borivali, Wadala and Andheri.
The notices do not mean immediate cancellation or suspension of badges. Drivers have been given one month to acquire practical Marathi skills and explain why further action should not be taken. Failure to comply could lead to suspension of their badges for up to three months, while continued non-compliance could eventually result in cancellation of the badge and permit.
