Mumbai limps back to normalcy

In complete contrast to Wednesday evening's scenario, all taxis were plying in Mumbai and the shops were also open.

The country’s financial capital returned to normalcy today with no fresh incidents of violence being reported after being on the tenterhooks for over ten days following anti-North Indian violence perpetrated by Raj Thackeray-led MNS.

In complete contrast to Wednesday evening’s scenario, all taxis were plying in the city and the shops were also open.

“Over 1,800 activists have been arrested for substantive offences and as a preventive measure since violence erupted on the streets of Mumbai on February 13,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) K L Prasad said.

Story continues below this ad

“612 preventive arrests were made on a single day yesterday (when Raj was arrested on charges of inciting people) while 260 others have been picked up today,” he said.

Sporadic incidents of violence were reported across the city following Raj’s arrest last evening and police have registered 29 offences in this connection arresting 144 people.

He, however, did not peg an exact timeframe as to when the extra forces will retreat from the city and also when those held as a preventive measure will be let-off.

“More than the physical damage, thousands of crores have been lost due to the violence as investors shy from bringing their money here,” Prasad said.

Story continues below this ad

When asked about the delay in arresting the leaders, Prasad countered by saying ‘accused are not arrested so quickly in such offences, especially, if they are big people as any action in haste can boomerang’.

He said police are still working on 60-70 photographs of suspected MNS workers indulging in violence and are on the lookout for the accused.