Case Filed After Marathi Auto Driver Assaulted on Kandivali Link Road
Tension erupted on Kandivali Link Road in Mumbai on Monday after a Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted by a group of non-Marathi-speaking drivers during a protest against the state government's Marathi language requirement for commercial drivers.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered against four people in connection with the alleged assault. According to reports, the accused told the Marathi driver that they would speak Hindi and Bhojpuri but would not speak Marathi.
The incident took place during an agitation where several auto-rickshaws were parked on the road in opposition to the language mandate. The sudden demonstration disrupted vehicular movement, causing traffic on Kandivali Link Road to slow down for approximately 20 minutes before traffic police intervened to clear the congestion and restore normal flow.
Allegations also surfaced that protesting drivers threatened other auto-rickshaw operators who were carrying passengers. A video shared by Marathi news portal Zee 24 Taas showed multiple drivers threatening and abusing operators who continued to ferry passengers during the agitation.
The incident prompted a political reaction, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena taking an aggressive stance against the conduct of the protesting drivers.
Shashank Rao, president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, stated that the union did not support the protest. However, he noted that the union has separately sought additional time for drivers to comply with the state's language mandate.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik warned against disrespecting the state's language and culture. He stated that while the government aims to provide employment rather than take it away, arrogant behavior and disrespect toward Marathi identity by those conducting business in Maharashtra would not be tolerated.
Sarnaik reiterated that commercial passenger vehicle drivers have been granted a one-month window to learn Marathi before authorities initiate punitive action. Regional Transport Office teams have already begun conducting practical Marathi assessments across the state and issuing notices to drivers lacking adequate language proficiency.
