Clash over language leaves Nepali workers assaulted at restaurant in Kalyan

KALYAN: A fresh dispute over Marathi and Hindi language has surfaced in Kalyan after a group of intoxicated youths allegedly assaulted Nepali workers for not speaking Marathi. The incident took place at Riddhi Bhojanalay, a restaurant located in the Chiknakka area of Kalyan.According to information received, four youths entered the restaurant late on Sunday night in an inebriated state and ordered vada pav. The staff, who are Nepali workers and have limited knowledge of Marathi, were unable to respond adequately to their queries. Enraged by this, the youths allegedly beat the employees and vandalised the restaurant. Restaurant owner Sandeep Adhav, who himself is Marathi, strongly condemned the attack.

He stated that his employees may not be fluent in Marathi yet, but they are making efforts to learn the language. “Assaulting them simply because they cannot speak Marathi is absolutely wrong,” he said.Following the incident, the restaurant owner lodged a complaint at Kolsewadi Police Station against the accused youths. However, Adhav expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of prompt action by the police so far.Local residents have demanded strict action against such unruly and intoxicated miscreants.