Raj Thackeray arrested in Ratnagiri, MNS on rampage

Mumbai, Oct 21: MNS declares Bandh in Mumbai. Shops in Navi Mumbai, Vashi shut down. Violence in Boriwali, shops forcefully closed down. Plight of vehicles minimal in State.
Just In 03:45 PM 10/21/2008

Police issues gag order against Raj Thackeray. Ban on Raj taking processions for two months, also he cannot address public gathering. MNS activists took to stone pelting near Bandra court and police resorted to lathicharge to control the situation. Police restricted reporters from covering legal proceedings. Reports say hops set on fire in Vashi. Schools in western Mumbai area closed. Police also arrested Raj Thackeray's close aid Bal Nandagaonkar from Vashi. Meanwhile Raj is taken for medical examination.
01:54 PM 10/21/2008

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists were beaten-up by Police in front of the Bandra court in Mumbai as they attempted to enter the court premises, where the arrested leader Raj Thackeray was to be produced for remand. Reports say that two media persons are injured in the violence in front of the Bandra court.
12:26 PM 10/21/2008

Mumbai, Oct 21: Raj Thackeray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief was arrested on Tuesday, Oct 21 early morning in Ratnagiri near Mumbai in connection with brutal attack on North Indian railway exam candidates by MNS workers on Sunday, Oct 19.

A case was registered in this connection against Raj Thackeray and his supporters at a North-West suburban police station of Kharwadi, after MNS workers attacked 13 railway board examination centres in suburban Mumbai to protest against 'inadequate representation' to Marathi people. Raj Thackeray was on tour in western Maharashtra and Konkan region when he was arrested. He will be produced in Bandra court in Mumbai later in the day. The arrest of the MNS chief comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the Maharashtra Government to rein in Raj Thackeray and his activists.

On Monday, Oct 20 Raj Thackeray dared Maharashtra Cheif Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to arrest him and he also justified the attack on North Indians carried out by his party. Meanwhile Chief Minister said that Police have taken right action. Most of the MNS activists are arrested. He also said that MNS gundagiri and violence will not be tolerated. He claimed that life is normal in Mumbai.

According to initial reports, the charges against Raj Thackeray are one under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty. MNS workers launched an all out attack against the students who were appearing for a railway examination.

Reports suggest that he was arrested under Section 336 of the IPC for an act endangering life or personal safety of others, by attacking North Indians. Raj Thackeray has also been reportedly arrested under Sec 425 and 427 for mischief causing damage.

Inspite of heavy police deployment Raj's arrest have sparked violence in Mumbai. MNS workers forcibly shut down shops and allegedly burnt an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai's western suburb of Boriwali. Even before the news of the arrest came through, MNS activists went on a rampage. More than 30 taxis were destroyed at various locations in Parel and Mumbai Central. Report says that a checkpost in Mulund was also set afire by MNS activists. Seven buses are attacked in Pune.

Police sources said that situation is under control. Security forces are brought to Mumbai as a precautionary measures. Polce have also detained hundreds of MNS workers from across the state. Five hundred people alone are held in Mumbai.
09:10 AM 10/21/2008

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