New Delhi: A petty fight between neighbours in a society in Maharashtra’s Kalyan has escalated into a Marathi versus non-Marathi dispute. The altercation which broke out between the two neighbours in Ajmera Heights over the reported burning of an incense could lead to the suspension of a Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) officer. The repercussions of the incident were also felt in the Maharashtra legislature on Friday, with both the ruling party and the Opposition trading accusations.
The incident, which was reported on December 18, occurred when Akhilesh Shukla, an MTDC employee, allegedly attacked his neighbours, Abhijit and Dhiraj Deshmukh, along with 8–10 other men. Deshmukh and his brother suffered severe injuries in the attack after being assaulted allegedly with a sharp weapon, iron rods, and sticks. The dispute arose after the Deshmukhs objected to Shukla’s wife burning incense sticks in the common corridor.
Political flareup in legislative assembly
According to the FIR, Shukla allegedly made derogatory comments about Marathi-speaking people. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab raised the issue in the legislative council, alleging that such incidents reflect growing arrogance among certain groups under the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. After the incident MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers demanded strong action against Shukla.
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Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the legislature, confirmed that an FIR had been registered. “Mumbai and Maharashtra belong to Marathi people. If anyone attacks that identity, we will ensure strict action is taken,” he said. However, Fadnavis added that Mumbai is a global city where all communities live in harmony and urged against politicising the issue. Opposition leaders criticised the BJP. Parab accused the BJP of fostering an “arrogance of power” that undermines Marathi identity.
Shukla surrendered to Khadakpada police
The accused, Shukla surrendered to Khadakpada police on Friday, while two of his alleged accomplices, Darshan Borade and Sumit Jadhav, were arrested earlier. A cross-complaint was also filed against the Deshmukhs, accusing them of assaulting Shukla.
CCTV footage from the building has been seized by the cops and they are investigating whether Shukla was authorised to use a blue beacon on his vehicle, as alleged by the Deshmukh family and others in the building. The Deshmukhs have also accused the local police of refusing to file their complaint initially, forcing them to write about the issue on social media.
