Altercation in Dombivli Over Language Escalates to Physical Assault; Police Reassess Case After CCTV Footage Emerges

 KALYAN — A verbal exchange over language allegedly escalated into a violent altercation between two families in Dombivli on Monday, prompting cross-complaints of assault and a renewed police inquiry after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced online.

The dispute occurred at the Ganesh Shraddha building in Old Dombivli when Poonam Gupta, accompanied by her nine-month-old child and friend Jyoti Chavan, attempted to pass through a gathering outside her neighbour's residence. A function was underway at the home of the Dhoble family, whose visiting relatives were reportedly obstructing the entrance to the building.

According to Gupta’s account, when she politely said “excuse me” in English to navigate through the crowd, members of the Dhoble family allegedly took offence, insisting she speak in Marathi. What began as a verbal disagreement rapidly escalated into a physical assault. Chavan was allegedly attacked first, followed by Gupta—despite her holding an infant in her arms. Gupta’s husband, Ankit, who arrived shortly thereafter, was reportedly struck with a stick while attempting to intervene.

Both parties were brought to Vishnu Nagar police station, where initial non-cognizable cross-complaints were filed. Police cited minor injuries on both sides and stated that the complainant's party also retaliated, purportedly in self-defence.

However, the emergence of CCTV footage, which appears to show members of the Dhoble family initiating the attack on Gupta, her friend, and her husband, has prompted authorities to reconsider their preliminary stance.

“We have summoned the complainant, Poonam Gupta, to record a detailed statement,” said Senior Inspector Sanjay Pawar of Vishnu Nagar police station. “Should she wish to file an FIR, we will proceed with appropriate legal action based on her testimony and the available evidence.”

Gupta, who works as an accountant alongside Chavan, expressed disappointment over the initial handling of the case. “We are living in fear,” she said. “It was only after the video went viral that the police began to take the matter seriously.”

The incident has sparked broader concerns about the escalation of minor disputes and the potential misuse of language as a trigger for violence in community settings. Authorities are now reviewing the footage and gathering further witness accounts as the investigation continues.