MNS activists on rampage in Kalyan after Raj's detention

Thane, Oct 21 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists tonight went on a rampage, resorting to heavy stone-pelting and also set afire a hotel in Kalyan township of the district, over their chief Raj Thackeray's detention at Manpada police station after his arrest from Ratnagiri circuit house.

Tension gripped the entire area near the Kalyan court after the activists also set a number of motor-cycles on fire.

The police initially resorted to lathicharge to quell the mob and later opened fire to disperse it.

Police had a tough time in controlling the mob, both at the Manpada police station area and the Kalyan court premises.

Mr Thackeray will be produced before the court tomorrow in connection with a case registered about beating North Indian students by the MNS activists at the railway station on the night of October 18.

He will be detained tonight at the heavily guarded Manpada police lock-up.

UNI XR SR OBB ATI RR HS2113