MNS Workers Assault Man in Nanded for Refusing to Speak Marathi

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A man working as a public toilet attendant at the state transport bus stand in Nanded was assaulted by individuals identified as members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi.

The incident began when a local man confronted the attendant over charging women ₹5 for using the facility, which is generally expected to be free. When the attendant responded in Hindi and declined to switch to Marathi, tensions escalated. He reportedly said, “I will not speak Marathi, do what you want,” which led to the confrontation.

Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media and among MNS workers, including the local city chief. In a follow-up video, the attendant was seen being slapped and punched by men wearing MNS scarves. They also forced him to apologize to the Marathi community and to MNS chief Raj Thackeray. He was seen holding his ears and saying, “I apologise to the Marathi people and to Raj Thackeray. I will not repeat this mistake again.”

The attackers also demanded that the man learn to speak Marathi immediately. The incident has drawn criticism from various civil rights groups and political leaders, who are urging authorities to take action.

This event follows similar cases in recent weeks where MNS workers have allegedly confronted or assaulted individuals for not using Marathi in public interactions. In a related case, seven MNS members were chargesheeted for assaulting a shopkeeper in Mumbai who had stated that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra.

A public interest litigation has also been filed in the Supreme Court, requesting that FIRs be registered against Raj Thackeray and MNS workers for encouraging mob violence against Hindi speakers. The petition seeks to derecognize the MNS as a political party.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the Nanded incident, which has further intensified debates around language, regional identity, and civic conduct in the state.