Five Detained for Vandalising Sushil Kedia's Office Amid Marathi Language Dispute

Mumbai police detained five people for vandalising investor Sushil Kedia’s Worli office after his post challenging MNS leader Raj Thackeray and refusing to learn Marathi. Following the backlash, Kedia apologised, citing stress and misinterpretation. The incident has stirred fresh debate over language and regional identity in Maharashtra.

Five individuals have been detained by Mumbai police in connection with the vandalism of investor Sushil Kedia’s office in Worli on Saturday. The incident followed a social media post by Kedia, where he refused to learn Marathi and directly challenged Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. The suspects reportedly threw stones at Kedia's office and raised slogans in support of Marathi and the MNS leader.

The situation escalated after Kedia posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying he had lived in Mumbai for 30 years and had no intention of learning Marathi, particularly in light of recent violence against non-Marathi speakers. His statement, seen as provocative, stirred a strong backlash. Hours later, he issued a video apology, stating that his post was made under mental stress and was being misinterpreted by those seeking to exploit the issue.

Kedia explained that the post was a reaction to an earlier incident in Thane’s Bhayander, where a vendor was allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi. Admitting he had “overreacted,” Kedia withdrew his comments, expressing regret and calling for peace. In an unexpected turn, he even praised Raj Thackeray for raising important issues and described himself as a long-time admirer of the MNS chief.

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Police confirmed that an investigation is underway and the detained individuals are being questioned. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited the sensitive debate around language, identity, and regionalism in Maharashtra.

Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in inciting violence, while urging citizens to avoid inflammatory language that could disrupt communal harmony in the state.