India, July 15 -- A day after a video of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers slapping and shaming a 36-year-old autorickshaw driver on a Virar street went viral, police on Monday booked 18 party members, including a woman, for the public assault that was filmed, shared, and unapologetically flaunted as a lesson in 'Marathi pride'.

The victim, Raju Patwa, had been hunted down after his alleged 'anti-Marathi' rant against the language stirred outrage on social media last week. His slap-and the video of his forced apology-was seen by thousands by Sunday evening, prompting the Virar police to step in.

"We've verified the videos and registered an FIR," a police officer confirmed. The 11 accused have been charged with unlawful assembly and assault under ...