Marathi Families Allegedly Shamed For Eating Non-Veg By Gujarati Residents In Ghatkopar; Police Step In

Mumbai Police stepped in on Wednesday to calm a dispute between Gujarati and Marathi-speaking residents in Ghatkopar. As reported by NDTV, the issue was about some residents eating non-vegetarian food in an apartment complex.

Reports said some Marathi-speaking families were mistreated for cooking and eating meat and fish. They were allegedly called "dirty" and had to order food from outside as they were not allowed to cook at home.

Photo Credit: PTI

A video of the incident went viral on social media. It showed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers confronting Gujarati residents. MNS leader Raj Parte was seen in the video defending the Marathi families. He criticised those who were trying to tell others what they can or cannot eat. He said everyone has the right to follow their food choices, especially in a city like Mumbai.

One resident claimed there were no official food rules in the complex. Still, Raj Parte argued that no one should control what others eat in their homes.

Police arrived at the scene after receiving calls from worried residents. No formal complaint was made. The police asked both sides to stay calm and live together peacefully.

A police officer later said the tension may have started after a man named Mr Range lost in the apartment committee elections. Since then, the complex has been divided into two groups. The officer said the police will speak to both sides and help solve the matter.

This is not the first time the MNS and Shiv Sena have raised such concerns. They have said before that Marathi-speaking people often face unfair treatment in housing societies due to their food habits. The MNS has also supported using Marathi in public places like banks and government offices.