Coconuts, smashed glass & an apology: MNS workers storm entrepreneur Sushil Kedia's office over Marathi row; he later says he holds 'deep appreciation' for Raj Thackeray

MUMBAI: Five workers from the MNS were arrested for throwing coconuts at the office shutters and damaging the glass of share market investment analyst Sushil Kedia here on Saturday.

The incident occurred after a significant number of police officers were deployed outside Kedia's Worli office due to MNS workers' anger over Kedia's post on X on Friday. Kedia stated on X that he does not speak fluent Marathi despite residing in Mumbai for 30 years and challenged MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the issue. Following the incident, Kedia posted a video message on his social media account on Saturday, requesting "Raj Thackerayji to consider his submission".

He said he had overreacted out of emotional impulse and expressed admiration for Thackeray's positions on various issues concerning individuals like himself.

In the video, he said he accepted his mistake and offered an apology.Earlier in the day, alleged MNS activists reportedly damaged the glass facade of Kedia's office in protest. A police officer from the Worli Police Station stated, "The MNS party workers tried to enter Kedia's office premise but were stopped by the police present outside.

The five arrested workers first broke coconuts on the step before throwing coconuts at Kedia's office shutters when police intervened." Kedia, said: "My tweet was made under stress and a disturbed state of mind. I overreacted, and I am now withdrawing it. I hold deep appreciation and gratitude for Raj Thackeray — for the strong issues he raises and the bold stands he takes on matters that concern all of us. He has been a true champion of Hindutva and nationalism.

This time, when those among us are at loggerheads with each other, my response was emotional and misplaced.

I recognise my mistake and wish to correct it. Similarly, I sincerely hope that concerned individuals, instead of creating fear, will offer encouragement to others to overcome hesitation and work toward achieving fluency in the Marathi language."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) KK Upadhaya stated that the five party workers have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 223 (disobedience to order promulgated by a public servant), 189(2) (unlawful assembly of more than five persons), 189(3) (joining an unlawful assembly knowingly), 190 (every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 191(2) (rioting), 191(3) (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), 125 (act endangering life), 324(4) and (5) (mischief), 37(1)(c) (acts against which there is no right of private defence), and 135 (assaults or uses criminal force to any person).