Complaint filed against Raj Thackeray over ‘hit but don’t shoot video’ remark

Thackeray had made the speech during a joint rally with now reunited cousin and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai

A complaint seeking action under the National Security Act was filed against Maharashtra Navnirman chief Raj Thackeray for provocative remarks made during a recent public event.

The complaint said his remarks promote vigilantism and social unrest in the state.

During a speech on July 5, Thackeray said that everyone residing in Maharashtra needs to learn Marathi, but there was no need to beat them up if they don’t speak the language. However, the Maharashtra leader justified assault if someone creates “unnecessary drama”.

“Be it Gujarati or anyone else, they must know Marathi. But there is no need to beat people for not speaking Marathi. [But] if someone creates unnecessary drama, you must hit below their eardrums.”

Moreover, Thackeray cautioned against recording the video of the incident.

“And I want to tell you all, don’t slap anyone if they don’t understand. If you beat someone, don’t make a video of the incident. Let the person beaten up tell that he has been beaten up; you don’t need to tell everyone,” he said.

Thackeray had made the speech during a joint rally with now reunited cousin and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The BJP-ruled state has seen several incidents of violence over language dispute in the last few weeks.