The 19-year-old student was allegedly beaten on train for speaking Hindi in Kalyan East; public figures demand accountability as rising tensions target minorities beyond religion
THANE – A shocking case of language-based violence has emerged in Maharashtra, raising serious concerns over the safety of students and minority communities. Nineteen-year-old Arnav Khaire reportedly suffered physical and verbal abuse on a local train in Tisgaon Naka after speaking Hindi instead of Marathi.
Following the incident, Arnav returned home distressed and, under extreme stress, tragically took his own life. Reports indicate that he was humiliated and attacked solely because of the language he spoke.
Internet personality and social commentator Tehseen Poonawalla expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a “wake-up call” for the state. He said, “The information emerging suggests Arnav was attacked just because he spoke Hindi. Imagine the mental pressure on a 19-year-old and the grief his family must now be facing.”
Poonawalla sharply criticised the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Thackeray family, stating that “promoting hatred and violence based on language only divides society. Arnav’s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of such politics.”
Poonawalla made pointed allegations against the political leadership, adding, “The Thackeray family focuses on power and budgets worth over ₹70,000 crore, not on the struggles of ordinary Marathi citizens. Their sons travel in luxury cars and receive treatment in top hospitals—they cannot understand the difficulties of everyday people.”
He further questioned past incidents, citing a case involving Rahil Shaikh, “What action was taken when Javed Shaikh’s son was accused of molesting a Marathi girl? These incidents show selective concern over issues, while real problems like Arnav’s death are ignored.”
Poonawalla warned that Maharashtra’s growing tensions over language are dangerous and urged urgent measures to curb divisive actions. He stated, “Violence in the name of language must stop immediately. Society cannot be allowed to fragment over words and identity.”
Poonawalla also spoke on broader political issues, including Karnataka, urging Congress leaders to coordinate better: “Leaders like DK Shivakumar are loyal and capable. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge must consult with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to avoid repeating mistakes seen in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.”
The Kalyan East incident in Thane has sparked outrage on social media, with citizens condemning language-based violence. Many commentators have pointed out that minorities in right-wing ruled states in India are increasingly facing harassment, now extending beyond religion to linguistic identity.
A resident of Kalyan East said, “It is shocking that anyone can be attacked for speaking their mother tongue. Maharashtra must ensure the safety of every citizen, regardless of language or religion.”
The investigation into the circumstances of Arnav’s death is ongoing, and authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for the assault and harassment.
