• Source:JND
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Mumbai: Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena assaulted the head of an academic coaching centre near Mumbai, as political thuggery reared its ugly head in Maharashtra once again. In a disturbing two-and-a-half-minute video circulating online, three MNS members are seen confronting Siddharth Singh Chandel, who runs the Siddhartha Logic coaching centre in Kalyan, which trains students for competitive exams like the Indian Administrative Service.

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The MNS members accused Chandel of charging exorbitant fees while failing to conduct classes. In the video, Chandel is seen attempting to calm the men while speaking on the phone, but the situation quickly escalates, one of the men slaps him, another hurls a steel bottle, and a third throws a wooden plaque. Several young girls, visibly frightened, are huddled in a corner, with one recording the assault as the men surround Chandel and continue to threaten him.

This attack is part of a growing trend of MNS violence, especially against non-Marathi individuals and migrants. Recent incidents include assaults on a Mira Road shopkeeper and an auto driver in Vikhroli. None of these attackers have faced serious legal consequences, and in many cases, were let off despite video evidence. The MNS, far from condemning the violence, has openly supported it, with Raj Thackeray defending the attackers and warning of further action if he is criticised.

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These attacks coincide with protests led by the MNS and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction against the state government's orders making Hindi compulsory for classes I to V. The controversy has sparked a political clash between the MNS and BJP, with leaders exchanging sharp remarks. Home Minister Yogesh Kadam’s response further alarmed many, while vowing action against those who "disrespect Marathi," he failed to mention the need to prosecute the perpetrators of such violence.