Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Marathi-Speaking Auto Driver Attacked in Mumbai; Four Held
Four auto drivers were arrested after a Marathi-speaking driver was allegedly attacked in Mumbai.
The incident happened in Kandivali on Monday afternoon.
Many auto drivers had gathered to protest a Marathi language proficiency requirement.
They were also asking other drivers to stop working.
Prakash Shejwal did not join the protest and continued carrying passengers.
Police said some protesters abused him and four men assaulted him.
The protesters then began a three-day strike demanding justice.
Traffic on Kandivali Link Road was briefly affected.
Police arrested four auto drivers accused of assaulting Prakash Shejwal in Kandivali.
The alleged attack followed Shejwal’s refusal to join a protest over a Marathi working-language mandate.
Protesters had gathered on MG Road and urged other auto drivers to stop operating.
Shejwal continued carrying passengers, which allegedly angered some protesters.
A three-day strike briefly disrupted traffic on Kandivali Link Road as protesters demanded justice.
- Who
- Prakash Shejwal was allegedly assaulted; Suresh Yadav, Mahendra Yadav, Anil Kumar Yadav and Noorul Ansari were arrested.
- What
- Four auto drivers allegedly assaulted Shejwal after he refused to join a protest and continued working.
- When
- Monday afternoon; the protesters then began a three-day strike.
- Where
- Kandivali, Mumbai, including MG Road and Kandivali Link Road.
- Why
- The alleged assault followed Shejwal’s refusal to join a protest against the state government’s Marathi working-language drive.
Protesting Auto Drivers
Working Driver
Language mandate
Protesting Auto Drivers
The protesting drivers opposed the state government’s Marathi working-language drive and sought to stop other auto drivers from operating.
Working Driver
Shejwal did not join the protest and continued transporting passengers in his autorickshaw.
Strike and disruption
Protesting Auto Drivers
Protesters began a three-day strike demanding justice after the alleged assault.
Working Driver
The strike briefly disrupted traffic on Kandivali Link Road.
- Victim
- Prakash Shejwal, a Marathi-speaking auto driver
- Arrests
- Suresh Yadav, Mahendra Yadav, Anil Kumar Yadav and Noorul Ansari
- Location
- Kandivali, Mumbai
- Trigger
- Shejwal allegedly refused to join the protest and continued transporting passengers
- Protest issue
- Opposition to the state government’s Marathi working-language drive
- Strike
- Protesters began a three-day strike demanding justice
- Traffic impact
- Traffic on Kandivali Link Road was briefly disrupted