Breaking: Man Allegedly Slapped in Maharashtra for Refusing to Speak Marathi

• Jul 2, 2025

Mumbai | July 2, 2025 —

A shocking incident has emerged from Maharashtra where a man was allegedly slapped and manhandled by a group of locals after he reportedly refused to speak in Marathi. The incident, which was captured on a mobile phone and widely shared on social media, has triggered widespread debate and condemnation.

According to eyewitnesses, the altercation occurred in a public place — reportedly a bus stop or local market area — where the man, believed to be from outside the state, was approached by a group of Marathi-speaking individuals. When they reportedly asked him to communicate in Marathi, he responded that he did not know the language. What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into physical aggression, with one of the individuals allegedly slapping him in full public view.

The video shows bystanders watching the scene unfold, while some can be heard urging calm. The man, visibly shocked, did not retaliate and eventually walked away from the scene. The exact location is yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.

Police Response and Investigation

Local police have taken cognizance of the viral video and are verifying its authenticity. An investigation has been launched to identify those involved in the assault.

A senior police officer from the local jurisdiction stated:

“We are reviewing the video footage and trying to ascertain the exact sequence of events. If any person is found guilty of assault or intimidation, strict legal action will be taken regardless of language or community.”

Political Reactions and Public Debate

The incident has sparked a fresh language-based political debate, especially in Maharashtra, where linguistic identity has often been a sensitive issue.

Several politicians and public figures condemned the violence, saying no one should be forced to speak a particular language, especially in a democratic country where freedom of expression and regional movement is protected by law.

Rights Experts Weigh In

Legal experts and civil society members have stressed that while promoting local languages is important, enforcing it through violence is illegal and unconstitutional.

“India is a multilingual country. Forcing anyone to speak a regional language and resorting to violence violates Article 19 of the Constitution,” said a senior advocate.

A Call for Harmony

The incident has reignited discussions around the balance between linguistic pride and national unity. Social media is abuzz with both outrage against the attack and calls for better cultural understanding between states.

Citizens across India are urging for restraint, respect for diversity, and legal action against those who take the law into their own hands.