A dispute regarding language turned violent in Dombivli on Monday when Poonam Gupta, a resident of Ganesh Shraddha building in old Dombivli, allegedly was assaulted by her neighbours, the Dhoble family, for talking in English.
What Happened?
The scuffle started when Gupta came home with her nine-month-old baby girl and friend, Jyoti Chavan. There was a function at the Dhobles’ place, and their guests were allegedly occupying the entrance. When Gupta told them ‘excuse me’ in English while wanting to go through, it allegedly caused an ireful response from the Dhobles, who demanded she use Marathi.
According to the complaint, the situation spiraled quickly. Jyoti Chavan was reportedly the first to be attacked, followed by Gupta even though she was carrying her infant at the time. Gupta said, “Even after this attack, the police didn’t take it seriously until the video went viral.”
The violence reportedly intensified when Gupta’s husband Ankit arrived to intervene. He was allegedly beaten with a stick by members of the Dhoble family.
Both parties were taken to Vishnu Nagar police station, where preliminary non-cognizable cross-complaints were made, as there were injuries on both sides. “The complainant’s side also retaliated physically, apparently in self-defence,” said an officer.
But with CCTV video of the Dhoble family beating up Gupta, her friend, and her husband appearing online, the police changed their tack. “We have summoned complainant Poonam Gupta to take a new statement,” Senior Inspector Sanjay Pawar said. “If she wants to lodge an FIR, the necessary action will be taken as per her statement.”
Gupta, who is an accountant like Chavan, said that her family is now frightened. She pointed out the police inaction delay, stating that the authorities reacted seriously only after the video became popular on social media.