Mumbai Marathi rule protest: Auto driver beaten, passengers dragged out amid outcry
Autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai staged protests against a government mandate requiring commercial drivers to demonstrate proficiency in the Marathi language. The demonstrations led to traffic disruptions and isolated incidents of violence, fueled by misinformation regarding potential fines.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing linguistic and regional identity tensions in Mumbai, reflecting the challenges of balancing local cultural policies with the livelihoods of migrant workers.
MUMBAI: An autorickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted by another auto driver who was part of a group protesting against the use of Marathi on Monday, police said.The incident took place on MG Road in Kandivali West when the victim was plying his autorickshaw, police said.Kandivali police are in the process of registering an FIR in connection with the assault.The incident came amid protests by a section of autorickshaw and taxi drivers in parts of Mumbai against the Maharashtra government's Marathi proficiency drive.According to PTI, demonstrations were reported in Kandivali, Malad West, Santacruz, Dahisar, Andheri and other locations.At Laljipada in Kandivali West, drivers staged a roadblock during the morning rush hour around 9am. Police reached the spot and dispersed the protesters.Some protesters allegedly stopped other autorickshaw and taxi drivers, including app-based cab drivers, from ferrying passengers and forced some passengers to deboard.
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