Fri Apr 18 04:09:55 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai Police Intervene in Ghatkopar Food Dispute Between Gujarati and Marathi Communities
**Mumbai, India** – Mumbai Police yesterday diffused a tense situation in Ghatkopar between members of the Gujarati and Marathi-speaking communities stemming from a dispute over non-vegetarian food consumption. The conflict escalated after several Marathi families residing in an apartment complex reported being harassed for eating meat and fish.
A video circulating widely on social media depicts members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party, confronting Gujarati residents of the building. MNS leader Raj Parte is seen confronting residents, accusing them of calling the Marathi families “dirty” and restricting their access to cooking non-vegetarian food at home, forcing them to rely on outside deliveries. While one resident denied any restrictions on dietary choices within the complex, Parte emphasized the importance of respecting individual food preferences, particularly in a diverse city like Mumbai.
Police intervention followed calls from concerned residents fearing further escalation. Although no formal complaints were filed, officers intervened, urging residents to coexist peacefully and refrain from harassing one another. Police attributed the conflict to internal factions within the apartment complex, stemming from a recent contested committee election. They indicated they would engage with both sides to resolve the issue.
This incident follows previous allegations by the MNS and Shiv Sena of discrimination against Marathi-speaking residents in apartment complexes based on their dietary choices. The MNS has been actively campaigning for increased use of the Marathi language in public spaces. The police are working to ensure a peaceful resolution and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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