Panic grips city following Raj's arrest

Mumbai, Feb 13 (UNI) Panic gripped the city following the arrest of MNS chief Raj Thackeray with shops and market places being shut down fearing violence.

However, Matunga and Sion areas of the city were not affected and business continued normally.

''There is no problem in Matunga area and business is progressing as usual,'' said Manikandan, a hotel owner from the area.

However, elsewhere in the city, a two-wheeler showroom in Goregaon was set afire, allegedly by MNS supporters. There were also reports of stone pelting in Dombivali, Kurar and Mulund areas.

Vikhroli, where the MNS chief was taken after his arrest, was the most affected area as MNS workers created a law and order problem in the area and shouted slogans against the police and the government.

The shops in the area were closed down and media outside the court were threatened allegedly by some MNS workers who alleged that they had been ''misreporting'' over the last ten days.

UNI JN/GS MAZ VD HS1821