In another flashpoint in Maharashtra’s ongoing language row, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Rajan Vichare was caught on camera as traders were allegedly summoned to his Thane office, where his supporters slapped them and forced them to apologise for not speaking in Marathi.

In the disturbing video, which has now gone viral, Vichare is seated as party workers confront and slap the businessmen. They also asked them to use Marathi while talking with customers. One supporter was also seen shouting “speak in Marathi” while slapping a trader and demanding a public apology.

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Language clash in Maharashtra

This news comes just after workers from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) violently attacked a sweet shop owner in Mira Road for similar issues. The assault resulted in a shutdown by traders in Mira-Bhayandar, and images of closed markets and deserted streets were circulating widely on social media.

The series of incidents has sent shockwaves among the business community, particularly among non-Marathi speakers. Several traders have raised concerns about their safety.

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According to a TOI report, as the outage increased, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray issued a statement that, “I spoke to Rajan Vichare ji. He said this was not a Marathi vs non-Marathi issue. It began when a party worker was not allowed to charge his phone, and the argument escalated.”

Viral video sparks outrage online

The backlash quickly went viral over social media, where netizens slammed the act and questioned the state government’s silence on it. One user commented, “Again asking the same question…What is the Maharashtra government doing???’’ Another tweet criticised the lack of administrative action, stating, “What is the administration doing to protect the public?’’

A third user wrote, “Shocking indeed-forcing traders to speak Marathi and restoring to violence is linguistic bullying, not pride.”