Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 4: What has long been a daily struggle for space inside Mumbai’s packed suburban trains has now turned into a sensitive flashpoint over language identity. The tragic death of a 19-year-old commuter has brought the simmering Hindi–Marathi divide back into public and political focus.

Arnav Khaire, a first-year BSc student from Kalyan, reportedly took his own life on November 18, days after he was allegedly assaulted inside a local train for speaking in Hindi instead of Marathi. His family claims the humiliation and trauma drove him to suicide. Ironically, the youngster himself was a Marathi speaker who chose to communicate in Hindi during his commute.

The incident has triggered severe outrage, with political parties clashing over who is respo

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