Thane viral video sparks tension as drunk auto driver abuses Raj Thackeray and Avinash Jadhav
Raj Thackeray
A viral video from Thane shows a drunk migrant auto driver abusing MNS leaders Raj Thackeray and Avinash Jadhav, triggering political anger and a police case.
Thane, Maharashtra | Nov 23, 2025 – 500 to 600 words, no subheadings):
A late-night incident in Thane has escalated into a political flashpoint after a video went viral showing an intoxicated auto-rickshaw driver verbally abusing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Avinash Jadhav and party chief Raj Thackeray. The episode took place near a wine shop in the Gandhinagar area on Pokharan Road No. 2, where the man, originally from Uttar Pradesh, allegedly began shouting provocative and abusive remarks.
Witnesses said the driver was drunk and got into an argument over a parking issue before launching into a tirade. In the video, he can be heard making inflammatory claims about “Bhaiyya rule” in the area and mocking the influence of Marathi leaders. The tone of the remarks stirred immediate anger among locals, especially as the region has seen recurring tension between migrant workers and Marathi-speaking communities.
Once the video circulated online, MNS workers reacted sharply. According to local accounts, the driver was detained by party workers and taken to the police station. There are reports that he was roughed up inside the premises before officers intervened and took charge of the situation, though the police have not officially confirmed this. Avinash Jadhav later commented that no one would be allowed to insult their party chief in such a manner and warned that public disrespect toward Marathi leadership would not be tolerated.
The police have registered a case against the driver for creating a public nuisance, using abusive language and stirring social tension. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops to understand how the argument began and whether anyone else was involved. They are also checking the driver’s background and whether past complaints exist against him.
The incident has revived debate about migrant-local tensions in Thane and neighbouring suburbs. The city has a large population of workers from northern states, and disputes involving language, behaviour and cultural differences have surfaced periodically. While many migrants expressed worry about being unfairly targeted because of the man’s actions, local residents argued that provocative behaviour in an intoxicated state can trigger unrest in already sensitive pockets.
The MNS, long known for its strong position on Marathi identity and migrant issues, has used the incident to reinforce its stance. Party workers have urged authorities to monitor areas with high migrant density more closely and ensure strict action against those who create disturbances. They also criticised what they described as growing disrespect toward local leaders and cultural norms.
Police officials say they are trying to control the situation before it escalates. Extra patrols have been deployed, and community leaders from both sides have been approached to maintain calm. Officers are also monitoring social media, where clips of the video have spread rapidly, to prevent further incitement.
Residents in Gandhinagar say such incidents threaten the fragile social balance of the area. Many worry that a single drunken confrontation can snowball into community-wide tension. Local shopkeepers have asked for better policing near liquor shops, especially at night, to avoid similar flashpoints.
As the investigation continues, the administration’s priority is to prevent retaliation and ensure the matter remains confined to legal channels. The case highlights once again how quickly a small dispute can turn into a politically charged issue in urban Maharashtra, especially when identity and migration are involved.
