Pune: MNS Activists Beat Marathi-Speaking Bank Employee Amid Language Row in Lonavala’s Bank of Maharashtra
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 3rd April 2025: In a shocking incident, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists allegedly assaulted a Marathi-speaking bank employee in Lonavala, Pune district, while enforcing their agenda of promoting the Marathi language in establishments across Maharashtra. The altercation occurred at the Bank of Maharashtra’s Lonavala branch yesterday and has led to a police case being registered against the accused.
The incident unfolded as MNS workers, led by Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena Lonavala President Ashok Kuthe, visited the bank to ensure compliance with their party’s directive to prioritize the use of Marathi. This directive was emphasized by MNS President Raj Thackeray during his Gudi Padwa address, where he urged party workers statewide to verify the use of Marathi in businesses and institutions.
During their visit, the activists reportedly engaged in a heated argument with the bank manager and staff over their continued use of Hindi despite requests to switch to Marathi. The situation escalated when a Marathi-speaking bank employee attempted to mediate and questioned why the activists were disrupting customers. This intervention angered the MNS workers, who allegedly slapped the employee and forced the manager out of the room.
The video of this incident has gone viral, showing the situation escalating. When a Marathi-speaking individual intervenes, he is seen getting beaten up.
The assaulted employee filed a complaint at the Lonavala City Police Station, prompting police to register a non-cognizable offense against one of the accused, identified as Shree Bhosale. Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap confirmed that an investigation is underway into the altercation, which stemmed from disagreements over language use.
This incident has sparked widespread discussion as it marks an unusual turn for MNS activists, who are known for championing Marathi pride but have now been accused of assaulting a fellow Marathi speaker. The act has raised questions about the party’s approach and has put pressure on Raj Thackeray to address this unprecedented controversy.
