He alleged that the gaming centre was encouraging students to skip school and fostering irresponsible behaviour among minors
The gaming zone staff had been clearly instructed not to allow students to enter the facility File Pic.
A video has surfaced online showing a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionary slapping an employee of a gaming centre in Maharashtra’s Thane district, drawing criticism for his actions, reported PTI.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, following complaints that children were frequently visiting the gaming zone in Kalyan town after skipping school and stealing money from home.
Police said no formal complaint has been filed so far and that they are currently verifying the authenticity of the video circulating online, reported PTI.
In the footage, MNS Kalyan president Ulhas Bhoir is seen questioning the gaming zone staff about the presence of school-uniformed students on the premises.
He alleged the gaming centre was promoting truancy and irresponsible behaviour among minors. When an employee replied that he couldn’t control who entered, Bhoir lost his temper and slapped him, warning that such negligence could impact an entire generation.
Bhoir, who appeared visibly agitated, claimed students had allegedly stolen ₹4,000 from their parents to spend at the gaming centre, as reported by PTI.
He pointed to one boy and cited a notable drop in his academic performance as an example of the gaming zone's harmful influence on students.
Issuing what he described as a “final warning,” Bhoir threatened strict action if students were again found at the venue, stating the facility could be shut down if such incidents continued, reported PTI.
Speaking to media persons later, Bhoir justified the confrontation, saying several parents had complained that their children were skipping school and misusing money at the gaming zone.
He said the gaming zone staff had been clearly instructed not to allow students to enter the facility.
The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with many condemning the MNS leader for resorting to violence and public intimidation, reported PTI.
While the issue of students skipping school drew attention, Bhoir’s conduct also came under public scrutiny.
Activists of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS have in the past assaulted and threatened some non-Marathi speaking individuals, including shopkeepers, in parts of Maharashtra.
(Inputs from PTI)
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