An incident of alleged harassment and assault of a Marathi-speaking businessman has come to light in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area on Tuesday, April 7, promoting Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to interfere in the matter. The incident occurred in a building near Ghatkopar East railway station, which houses the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s market department office. On the same floor is Pratiksha Agency, run by Akshay Bhangre, who has been operating his business for more than one year.
According to reports, two neighbouring Gujarati businessmen allegedly began harassing Bhangre over his use of a common toilet in the building. The dispute escalated when Bhangre used the shared facility, leading to an argument that reportedly turned violent.
Bhangre alleged that he was assaulted over what he described as his right to use a public facility. “I have been running my business here for over a year, but they have been harassing me without reason. Using a public toilet is my right, yet they beat me over it,” he said.
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Following the incident, the MNS intervened, expressing anger over the police initially registering a non-cognisable offence. MNS workers reached the spot and protested outside the office of the accused. Anticipating protests, the businessmen reportedly shut their offices.
MNS workers also put up a board reading ‘Only Marathi in Mumbai’ during the protest and warned of stronger agitation if strict action is not taken. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation.