Maratha Mahasangh activists attack North Indians

Nashik, Feb 4 (UNI) Extending its support to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on its stand against North Indians in the state, around 25-30 activists of the Maratha Mahasangh allegedly assaulted some members of the community here this evening.

According to sources, around 25-30 activists of the Maratha Mahasangh suddenly came out on the streets in the M G Road area of the city this evening and beat some five to seven North Indian people there. They also destroyed a coconut vendor's stall in the area and shouted slogans such as 'Maharashtra Mein Rehna Hoga To Jai Shivaji Kehna Hoga' (if one wants to live in Maharashtra then he/she has to say 'Jai Shivaji'), giving a communal touch to the whole act.

They also burnt an effigy on which names of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states were mentioned.

This sudden act by the Maratha Mahasangh activists created panic in the area and shopkeepers downed the shutters of their establishments. However, the police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, seven Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists were arrested and later released on bail today for the attack on a cinema hall, where they disrupted the screening of a Bhojpuri film here yesterday. Some MNS activists also burnt the effigies of Samajwadi Party MP Abu Asim Azmi at Deolali Camp and Dattamandir Chowk area of the city yesterday.

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