2 Women Assaulted in Dombivli for Saying ‘Excuse Me’ in English Instead of Speaking Marathi
In a disturbing incident highlighting growing linguistic tensions in Maharashtra, two women were allegedly assaulted in Dombivli for saying “excuse me” in English instead of speaking Marathi. The confrontation, caught on camera, has since gone viral and triggered widespread outrage on social media.
According to the victims, Poonam Gupta and Geeta Chauhan, the altercation occurred at the entrance of their residential society. Geeta, who was riding a two-wheeler, reportedly asked a man blocking the entrance to move aside by saying “excuse me.” The man, a resident of the same building, allegedly took offence to her use of English and demanded that she speak in Marathi.
When Geeta refused, the situation escalated. “He twisted Geeta’s arm and began shouting,” Poonam told reporters. “Soon after, his family members, including men and women, joined in and began physically attacking us.”
Poonam, who was holding her 9-month-old baby at the time, said the attackers showed no regard for the child. When her husband, Ankit Chauhan, and his friend intervened to protect them, Ankit was struck on the head with a rod.
The Vishnunagar police are currently conducting a preliminary inquiry. Senior Inspector Sanjay Pawar confirmed that an investigation is underway, although no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet. Police are also probing whether the incident may be linked to any prior disputes between the families.
The incident has reignited debates over linguistic identity in Maharashtra. It comes at a time when the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has been vocally demanding greater prominence for the Marathi language. Just last month, MNS workers launched a campaign urging bank employees to converse with customers in Marathi, which led to reported cases of intimidation at several bank branches.
Following backlash, Thackeray instructed party workers to pause the campaign, stating that sufficient awareness had been created.
“This kind of reaction over a commonly used phrase like ‘excuse me’ is shocking and completely unwarranted,” said one local resident who witnessed the altercation. “Language should not become a reason for violence.”
Legal experts say that such incidents, if left unchecked, could foster an atmosphere of fear and deepen divides between linguistic communities in the state.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while assuring that appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. The victims are expected to formally lodge a complaint, which may prompt further legal proceedings.
