Mumbai: In response to a recent incident where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers assaulted a Gujarati restaurant owner in Mira-Bhayandar for not speaking Marathi, shopkeepers across the area staged a protest by closing their shops today.

On the morning of July 3, several shops remained shut after MNS members reportedly harassed the restaurant owner for not using Marathi. The protesting traders, gathered in large numbers, reportedly marched to the site of the incident and submitted a complaint to the police, urging strict action against the MNS workers involved.

Meanwhile, DCP Prakash Gaikwad said, “Day before yesterday, a businessman was assaulted. An FIR was lodged in this matter. We have taken action against 7 people. Today, a few people gathered here regarding this matter. We have told them about the action being taken. Everyone is coordinating peacefully. I appeal to all not to spread any rumours.”

The controversy began when MNS workers confronted the restaurant owner in Mira Road, Mumbai, demanding an explanation for not speaking Marathi. The owner jokingly said he didn’t know the language was compulsory, which allegedly provoked the workers.

Tensions escalated when the owner insisted that Maharashtra embraces all languages. In response, one of the MNS members slapped him multiple times in public, with a video of the incident going viral. The incident has triggered widespread criticism online, with many questioning the use of violence in the name of language preservation. DeshGujarat