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The language row escalated in Maharashtra after a group of students allegedly assaulted a classmate for distributing a wedding invitation written in Marathi at a Navi Mumbai college.
The incident occurred around 10.30 am on Tuesday outside a college in Vashi, PTI reported.
According to a report by India Today, some non-Marathi students objected to receiving a wedding card in Marathi, which led to a violent scuffle. A 20-year-old student was allegedly beaten with a hockey stick.
The victim, a resident of Pawane village in Airoli, filed a complaint in this connection.
"The altercation began when one of the accused, identified as Faizan Naik, objected to being spoken to in Marathi. A verbal exchange escalated, following which Naik and three others attacked the complainant," an official of Vashi police station said, PTI reported.
"The prime accused struck the victim on the head with a hockey stick, causing severe injuries. The others joined in by kicking and punching him repeatedly. They also threatened him with dire consequences. The victim was left bleeding at the scene," he said.
The issue has since taken a political turn with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) demanding strict action against the accused. MNS leader Gajanan Kale also met with the Vashi police and submitted a complaint.
MNS alleged that the clash was not just an isolated fight but an example of the larger Marathi vs non-Marathi conflict brewing in educational institutions, according to India Today.
A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 118 (1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 351(2) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation), section 3(5) (common intention) and others.
(With inputs from PTI)
