Mumbai: Dispute Over Pizza Delivery Sparks Marathi Language Debate

Bhandup, 15th May 2025: A simple disagreement over a pizza order in Bhandup escalated into a heated exchange centered on the use of Marathi, drawing widespread attention after a video of the incident went viral on Tuesday night.

Dentist Vaidehi Pathak and her son had placed an order from a local Domino’s outlet when the delivery boy, Rohit Lavera from Haryana, arrived. The dispute began when Pathak’s son wanted to inspect the pizza before paying, citing a previous order that had arrived damaged. However, the delivery person refused to allow the box to be opened before payment.

The situation intensified when the son asked Lavera to speak in Marathi, stating they could not understand his Haryanvi accent. Vaidehi Pathak backed her son’s request, insisting that the delivery boy communicate in Marathi. When Lavera declined, Pathak reportedly told him that if he did not know Marathi, he should return to his home state.

Speaking about the incident, Vaidehi Pathak said, “This happened around 8 pm on May 10. My son wanted to check the pizza because last time the box was spilled. The delivery boy raised his voice and said we couldn’t open the box before paying. When my son asked him to speak Marathi, it was not meant to offend. I myself don’t know Hindi well. We were just trying to communicate.”

Following the viral spread of the video, Pathak filed a complaint with the police on Wednesday. DCP Vijay Sagar of Zone 7 confirmed, “We have registered a non-cognizable complaint and are investigating the matter.”