Amid ongoing tensions over the Marathi language row in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has found itself in an embarrassing situation. This comes after a video went viral showing the son of one of its leaders in a drunken, abusive state. The man, identified as Rahil Sheikh, son of MNS leader Javed Sheikh. Rahil was caught on camera sitting half-naked inside a car in Mumbai, hurling abuses at a Marathi-speaking woman.
Victim Shares Video, FIR Filed Against Accused
The video was recorded and shared on Instagram by Rajshree More, the woman targeted in the incident. Following the viral clip, an FIR was lodged at Amboli Police Station under charges including outraging the modesty of a woman and negligent driving. Rahil Sheikh has since been arrested, and police have detained his car for further investigation. The incident occurred at Vira Desai Road in Andheri West.
Shiv Sena Leader Slams MNS Over Hypocrisy
Reacting strongly to the incident, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam condemned the behavior and called out the MNS for its double standards. “Drunk out of his senses. Half-naked. An MNS leader’s son is hurling abuses at a Marathi-speaking woman. On top of that, he’s flaunting his father’s influence. See the real face of those who claim to protect Marathi pride. Are these the same MNS people attacking Hindus under the pressure of Muslims?” said Mr Nirupam.
He further demanded strict action against Rahil Sheikh and criticized MNS workers for promoting “gundagardi” under the guise of language activism.
Slamming MNS workers, Mr Nirupam said, “They are doing nothing but ‘gundagardi’ in the name of language. That is the ground reality of MNS.” “Our government is not at all against Marathi; rather, we are promoting the language,” he further clarified
Past Language Row and Controversial Comments Resurface
This incident follows a recent wave of attacks by MNS workers on non-Marathi speakers across Maharashtra, aligned with party chief Raj Thackeray’s aggressive campaign echoing the style of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Rajshree More herself had previously been in the spotlight for posting a video opposing the imposition of Marathi on migrants in Mumbai. In the now-deleted clip, she emphasized that pride in being Marathi should not involve forcing others to speak the language and called for local Marathi speakers to work harder instead of targeting outsiders. Following backlash from MNS supporters and a police complaint, she issued a public apology.
“I am a Maharashtrian. I am proud to be a Marathi. That pride is enough for me. I won’t force others to speak in my language at gunpoint. I appeal that let people live. People come here to work in Mumbai. Let them work. If migrants leave the city, then you will understand what work you have to do. Marathis can’t do such hard work. First, teach the Marathi people to work hard,” she had said.
Police Continue Investigation
Mumbai Police confirmed that Rahil Sheikh underwent a medical examination, and his vehicle was seized for further forensic and procedural scrutiny. Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are taking the matter seriously given the nature of the allegations and the public outrage.
