Thane
An argument over lighting incense (dhoop) in a housing complex in Kalyan sparked a violent confrontation, reigniting tensions between 'Marathi and migrant' communities. The incident took place late Wednesday night at Ajmera Heights Society in Yogidham, when a north Indian resident, Akhilesh Shukla, reportedly insulted Marathi families and called in a group of outsiders who brutally assaulted at least three people with rods, pipes, and sticks.
The conflict involved Shukla, who claimed to be an employee at Mantralaya, and the Kalvikate family. The altercation began when Shukla verbally attacked Lata Balkrishna Kalvikate, 56, and escalated when other neighbours, including Dheeraj and Abhijit Deshmukh, intervened. Shukla allegedly made derogatory remarks about Marathi people, calling them filthy and threatening to use his political connections. Shukla’s wife, Geeta, also reportedly assaulted other women, adding to the fear and tension in the community.
On Thursday morning, residents staged a protest demanding immediate action against the attackers. Despite a police complaint, locals claimed Shukla received VIP treatment, and no arrests were made initially. Videos of the incident spread quickly, drawing criticism from opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP. They condemned the government's inaction, with leaders demanding strict action. Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai assured that the issue would be brought to the Chief Minister’s attention for further action.