75 held, full security to outsiders in Mumbai: Deshmukh

After a day of violence targeted at north Indians in Mumbai and a few other places in Maharashtra, state authorities swung into action by arresting about 75 supporters of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Samajwadi Party.

After a day of violence targeted at north Indians in Mumbai and a few other places in Maharashtra, state authorities swung into action by arresting about 75 supporters of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Samajwadi Party.

“Police have arrested 25 people in Mumbai and around 50 people in neighbouring Thane,” said Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was criticized by SP leaders for not taking prompt action on incidents of violence.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of violence were reported from parts of Mumbai and elsewhere, with MNS workers burning effigies of SP leaders and the latter retaliating by burning Raj Thackeray’s effigies.

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SP Mumbai unit chief Abu Asim Azmi met Deshmukh at Mantralaya and demanded that Raj be arrested for inciting violence.

Earlier today, actor Amitabh Bachchan’s residence was targeted by suspected MNS workers, in the backdrop of Raj Thackeray saying the actor was more inclined towards his home state Uttar Pradesh than Maharashtra.

Two unidentified persons hurled glass bottles in the direction of Bachchan’s residence, forcing the police to set up high security cover at his residence. Amitabh has so far refrained from commenting on the issue.

MNS activists clashed with SP workers, attacked two theatres screening Bhojpuri films and assaulted north Indian taxi drivers and vendors. With the Centre asking the state government to take proper steps to maintain law and order, Deshmukh said stern action would be taken against the guilty and there will be full protection for those living in Mumbai.