Nirupam Slams MNS Over Language Terror

Mumbai: Shiv Sena deputy leader and spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam on Friday demanded strict action against “those spreading terror in the name of language”, referring to the allegations made at the Physics Wallah coaching center in Nashik.

Mr. Nirupam called for strong police action, including the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), if allegations of extortion come to light during the investigation. He accused Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his party workers of forcing new teachers, said to be from North India, to speak Marathi and resorting to violence. He described the incident as “a form of terrorism”.

According to local media reports, MNS activists allegedly created a ruckus at the Physics Wallah branch on Sharanpur Road two days ago, claiming that students were being forced to speak Hindi. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing activists confronting staff and insisting they speak Marathi. It was claimed that a staff member was beaten during the argument.

Students at the scene were heard telling activists that a staff member had called them “uncouth”. Following this, the activists allegedly attacked the staff and warned them to learn Marathi within eight days.

A case has been registered against six MNS activists at Sarkarwada police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 115(2) (assault), Section 126 (unfair restraint) and Section 351 (criminal intimidation).

Nashik Police identified the accused as Akshay Kombade, Lalit Wagh, Rohit Ugavkar, Bajirao Mate, Mayur Buchkule and Meghraj Navale. The capture of the suspects was achieved through security camera footage.

“Notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been served and preventive action under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been taken against all the six persons,” said Nashik city ACP (Crime Branch) Sandeep Mitke.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Nirupam said his party respected the insistence on promoting Marathi in Maharashtra but did not support “violence and hooliganism in the name of language”.

He also claimed that there were reports suggesting that MNS employees were trying to extort money from the owner of the coaching institute. “If allegations of extortion are proven, action should be taken under MCOCA,” he said.

Mr Nirupam reiterated that Marathi should be respected in the state but criticized what he called “the politics of hatred and violence”. He also claimed that voters had rejected divisive policies in the last local elections and noted that the ‘Mahayuti’ government had secured classical language status for Marathi from the Centre.