Mumbai, Maharashtra – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the actions of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray following the suicide of a 19-year-old student in Thane, allegedly triggered by an assault on a local train over a language dispute. The student, Arnav Khaire, was reportedly harassed and beaten for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi.
According to police reports, Khaire, a resident of Kalyan, was travelling to his college in Mulund when the incident occurred. He was allegedly accosted by a group of individuals who objected to him speaking in Hindi. The situation escalated, and Khaire was physically assaulted. Overwhelmed by the incident, he returned home and informed his father about the assault. Distraught and traumatized, Khaire died by suicide at his home on Tuesday evening.
The BJP has reacted sharply to the incident, holding Raj and Uddhav Thackeray responsible for creating a divisive atmosphere that fosters linguistic intolerance. The party has accused the leaders of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT) of inciting violence and hatred through their aggressive stance on the Marathi language.
"The consequences of their hateful rhetoric are now evident," stated a BJP spokesperson. "Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have consistently used language as a tool to divide society and incite violence. This tragic incident is a direct result of their actions."
The spokesperson further added that the BJP would not tolerate "hooliganism in the name of language". They emphasized that while pride in the Marathi language is not wrong, it cannot be used to justify violence or discrimination against those who speak other languages.
The incident has ignited a heated debate about linguistic chauvinism and its impact on social harmony in Maharashtra. Various political parties and social organizations have condemned the violence and called for immediate action against the culprits.
Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the matter. Authorities have assured that those responsible for the assault will be brought to justice.
The tragic death of Arnav Khaire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of linguistic intolerance and the need for promoting inclusivity and respect for all languages. It also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and providing support to individuals struggling with emotional distress.
Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health at 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com, or TISS iCall at 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm).
