MNS Workers Walk Free Hours After Assaulting Shopkeeper Over Marathi Language in Mira Road

Mumbai, July 4 – In a disturbing incident that has reignited the debate on linguistic intolerance, seven workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were released just hours after being detained for assaulting a shopkeeper in Mira Road for not speaking in Marathi.

Despite clear video evidence of the assault, which the accused themselves recorded and circulated on social media, the men were let off the same evening after being picked up by the police on Thursday, July 3.

According to police officials, the accused were released on bail bonds as the offences they were booked under carry a maximum punishment of up to seven years, making them bailable by law. Moreover, the offence is non-cognisable, meaning police cannot initiate a full investigation or make arrests without prior permission from a magistrate.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the enforcement of law in politically charged cases, especially when there is digital proof and public outrage.

One of the MNS workers even defended the attack in an interview, claiming the shopkeeper had “invited” the violence upon himself. He appeared on camera without hiding his identity, showing no signs of regret.

The attack, which took place in broad daylight, has drawn widespread criticism for its vigilante-style enforcement of language preferences, especially in a multicultural city like Mumbai.

The situation took a confusing turn when Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane claimed during an NDTV interview that the accused had been “arrested.” However, it soon came to light that all seven had already been released prior to his statement.

As of now, there has been no official update on further legal action against the MNS workers. The incident has triggered fresh calls for stricter enforcement of the law in cases involving hate crimes and linguistic discrimination, particularly when backed by political affiliations.

Civic groups and legal experts have condemned the attack and the swift release of the perpetrators, warning that such leniency could set a dangerous precedent in a state known for its linguistic diversity.