Pizza Delivery Worker Harassed in Mumbai for Not Speaking Marathi

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a pizza delivery worker in Mumbai was denied payment and subjected to verbal abuse by a couple for not speaking Marathi. The incident, which took place in the Bhandup area, has ignited a debate about linguistic intolerance and the treatment of service workers in India.

The Incident

The delivery worker, identified as Rohit Lavera from Haryana, was completing a routine delivery when the couple insisted that he speak in Marathi. Lavera, who is not fluent in Marathi, attempted to communicate in Hindi. However, the couple refused to accept the delivery unless he conversed in Marathi. When Lavera began recording the interaction, the woman attempted to stop him, leading to a tense confrontation. The situation escalated when the couple denied payment for the pizza, citing his inability to speak Marathi as the reason .

Public Reaction

The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing condemnation from various quarters. Netizens expressed their disapproval of the couple’s behavior, highlighting the unprofessional and discriminatory nature of their actions. Many pointed out that language should not be a barrier to basic services and that such incidents reflect a deeper issue of intolerance towards non-native speakers.

Legal and Political Response

Following the incident, the delivery company, Domino’s, issued a statement expressing regret over the situation and assured that appropriate action would be taken. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party known for its advocacy of the Marathi language, intervened in the matter. MNS leaders met with Lavera and the couple, urging the latter to apologize publicly for their actions. The couple complied, and the matter was resolved amicably .

Broader Implications

This incident is not an isolated case. In 2019, a similar situation occurred in Dadar when a courier boy assaulted two women after they insisted he speak in Marathi. The courier boy, Ibrahim Shaikh, became agitated when the women asked him to converse in Marathi instead of Hindi. The altercation led to physical assault, and Shaikh was subsequently arrested and charged with assault and molestation .

These incidents underscore the challenges faced by non-Maharashtrians working in Mumbai, where proficiency in Marathi is often expected, even in service roles. While promoting the use of the regional language is important, it should not come at the cost of basic human decency and respect for individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Conclusion

The harassment of the pizza delivery worker in Mumbai serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater tolerance and understanding in a multicultural society. It is essential to recognize that language proficiency should not be a criterion for accessing services or for the fair treatment of individuals. As Mumbai continues to grow as a cosmopolitan city, embracing linguistic diversity and fostering an inclusive environment should be a priority for all its residents.