Marathi films row: MNS workers attack Nana Chudasama’s Marine Drive office

Around 20 workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) vandalised the office of former sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama, at Marine Drive on Wednesday for opposing a government order on screening Marathi movies in multiplexes.

Around 20 workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) vandalised the office of former sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama, at Marine Drive on Wednesday for opposing a government order on screening Marathi movies in multiplexes.

They were protesting against a banner put up by Chudasama that said ‘Promoting Marathi welcome, diktat not welcome’.

The office of former Mumbai sheriff Nana Chudasama was vandalised by MNS workers for an 'objectionable banner' in Mumbai. (PTI photo)

“This is ridiculous. What was objectionable in what my father put on the banners,” said Shaina NC, BJP spokesperson and daughter of Chudasama.

According to the police, around 4.15pm, MNS activists from south Mumbai barged into the office of NGO I Love Mumbai, founded by Chudasama. The incident took place soon after Chudasama left the office at China Mahal on Marine Drive.

They then allegedly abused and roughed up the office security, a peon and threatened two women secretaries, police said.

“The members pulled down the banner, ransacked the office and set the banner on fire outside the workplace. Members then shouted slogans against Chudasama,” said a police officer.

By the time the police arrived, the MNS workers had left.

“We are in the process of registering an offence of rioting against the accused, including MNS workers Arvind Gavade, Tushar Salien, Deepak Kamble and Srikant Borule. They will be arrested soon,” said Krishna Prakash, additional commissioner of police (south region).

At the time of going to press, the police were in the process of registering a case of rioting against the party workers.