Mumbai Police seeks 24-hour remand of Thackeray

Mumbai, Feb 13 : Mumbai Police on Wednesday sought a 24-hour-long police remand for Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

The demand for remand came shortly after police arrested Thackeray and Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi for "promoting" enmity between groups.

Thackeray's arrest sparked off protests by MNS workers outside the Vikroli Court in Mumbai.

MNS supporters also burnt a truck in the Dahisar area of the city. Fearing further rampage, shopkeepers downed their shutters in Dadar.

Thackeray's supporters are also protesting in Kandivli and there are reports of protest in other parts of the city. Protests were also reported from Pune, Kolhapur and Nashik. Protestors pelted stones at 30 buses in Nashik.

Thousands of MNS supporters have been arrested for indulging in violence.

After his arrest, Thackeray appealed to his supporters to remain calm.

ANI