Tensions flared up in Pune’s Vanaz area on Thursday after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly stormed into the residence of a resident, Kedar Soman, and created a ruckus for posting an ‘offensive’ post about Raj Thackeray.
The incident was recorded on camera by the assailants themselves and later circulated online. No arrest had been made at the time of reporting. In fact, police detained Soman for some time.
The attack comes close on the heels of a similar incident in Mumbai where MNS workers allegedly assaulted a shopkeeper for refusing to speak in Marathi. Both these episodes have led to increased tensions amid a broader linguistic controversy in the state.
MNS Mumbai unit chief Sandeep Deshpande defended the Pune action. “If our party chief is criticised, then we will definitely respond,” he said.