Overview

• The confrontation occurred on Gupte Road in Dombivli, Thane, during the festival-season rush for stall space.
• Civic officials say Marathi-speaking women had formal KDMC permission for the site, but non-Marathi vendors already present refused to vacate.
• A non-Marathi woman allegedly poured kerosene on herself during the standoff, and bystanders with officials intervened and saved her.
• Civic officials and local leaders brokered a temporary truce after initial non-cooperation, and police increased vigilance to prevent flare-ups.
• Coverage situates the episode within recurring language-related tensions in Maharashtra, referencing recent MNS-led protests in Mumbai.