NEW DELHI — The office of Mumbai investor Sushil Kedia was attacked early Saturday by a group of individuals reportedly affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The vandalism occurred just days after Kedia publicly rebuffed MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s advocacy for the Marathi language, an act that has drawn significant public attention and heated responses from political factions.
Police reported that the attack took place at Kedia’s office located in Worli, where perpetrators shouted slogans in favor of Thackeray while hurling stones at the building. No injuries were reported; however, authorities acted quickly and detained five individuals believed to be MNS supporters in connection with the incident.
The tension stemmed from a provocative social media post Kedia made on July 3. In his message, he expressed frustration over language pressures in Maharashtra, stating that he had lived in Mumbai for 30 years without mastering Marathi, and declared intent not to learn the language until certain conditions changed regarding language enforcement. His post ignited a backlash from the MNS, with party leader Sandeep Deshpande warning Kedia to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
Kedia responded to the vandalism with a video apology addressed to Thackeray, asking him to consider his request with humility. This public reversal highlights the climate of fear that has emerged, as Kedia stated that threats he received online compelled him to seek police protection. He brought attention to the escalating tensions around language expectations, urging authorities for greater safety measures.
Earlier this week, Kedia had tagged Mumbai Police in social media posts, detailing threats from MNS activists. He questioned the right to dignity and safety in Maharashtra amid such intimidation, asserting that these threats do not make him more eager to learn Marathi.
This incident is not isolated, as it follows another controversial episode involving MNS where workers assaulted a sweet shop owner for not communicating in Marathi. The incident sparked protests and prompted many businesses in the Mira Road area to close in solidarity with the victim. Although the attackers were detained, they were released shortly after police issued notices, and the party has not offered an apology.
Officials indicate that the police investigation into the Worli incident is ongoing. Enhanced security measures remain in place at Kedia’s office, reflecting the rising concerns about political pressures and language rights in the region. As the situation develops, it raises broader questions about language policies and community safety in a multi-lingual society like India.