Government Asserts Insult to Marathi People Will Not Be Tolerated After Thane Family Attack

An incident involving an alleged assault on a Marathi family by a government employee in Maharashtra's Thane district was discussed in the state legislature. The BJP-led government stated that any insult to Marathi people would not be tolerated. By late night, the main accused and two others involved in the attack were arrested.

Arrests and Investigation

The attack occurred on December 18 in Kalyan town, involving Akhilesh Shukla, an employee of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, and his wife. Two others, Sumit Jadhav and Ranga alias Darshan Borade, were also arrested. Both Jadhav and Borade have criminal records, according to DCP Atul Zende. Authorities are searching for eight more suspects.

Political Reactions

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the legislative council about the case against Shukla and his wife. He mentioned that steps to suspend Shukla had begun. Shiv Sena UBT legislator Anil Parab highlighted the issue in the Upper House, stating that discrimination against Marathi people by those from other states is rising.

Allegations of Discrimination

Congress legislator Bhai Jagtap accused the suspects of making derogatory remarks about Marathi people. NCP SP MLC Shashikant Shinde claimed there is an unwritten rule against non-vegetarian residents in Mumbai housing societies. Fadnavis responded by assuring that no injustice would be done to Marathi people.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar echoed this sentiment, stating that injustice against Marathi people would not be tolerated. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated that insults to Marathi people would not be accepted. MNS president Raj Thackeray expressed strong disapproval of the attack, stating that a group of Maharashtra haters has emerged.

Details of the Incident

The police reported that the attack happened around 8:45 pm on December 18. The accused and victims live on the same floor in Kalyan. The victims witnessed Shukla arguing with a neighbour over incense burning and asked him to calm down. Shukla and his wife Geeta allegedly assaulted the couple with iron rods and sticks, aided by eight to ten others.

Before surrendering to police, Shukla posted a video on social media claiming his wife was attacked by the victims' family members. The police registered an FIR against Shukla and his wife under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assault, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly.

The chief minister emphasised that everyone has the right to choose their food as per the Constitution, and no one should be denied housing based on dietary preferences.