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Railway Police Probe Viral Mumbai Language Standoffs as Vigilante “Speak Marathi” Campaign Continues

Investigations by the RPF, GRP into local train, Ghatkopar confrontations have begun without formal complaints, reflecting an uptick in MNS-led street enforcement ahead of civic polls.

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Photo:SNS

Overview

  • A viral video from a Central line ladies’ compartment shows commuters demanding a passenger speak Marathi during a seat dispute, prompting Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police inquiries despite no FIR.
  • In Ghatkopar, Sanjira Devi was surrounded by a group insisting she switch to Marathi, an episode now under police review after bystanders alerted authorities and the suspects dispersed.
  • MNS workers and allied activists have intensified “speak Marathi” patrols across Mumbai, confronting shopkeepers, auto drivers and visiting journalists for using other languages.
  • Late June policy shifts—including rescinding Hindi mandates and appointing an expert panel—followed by a July 5 rally uniting Raj and Uddhav Thackeray did little to stem mid-July flare-ups.
  • A Supreme Court PIL and heightened probes highlight deepening legal scrutiny as language vigilantism raises concerns over migrant rights and political maneuvering before civic elections.