Click to play videoNew Delhi: Central paramilitary forces were sent to Mumbai amid ongoing speculations as to when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray would be arrested.
The state government and Mumbai police had asked for more security personnel to take care of any backlash that would spark off following Raj Thackeray's arrest.
On Wednesday morning MNS state secretary Vasant Gite was arrested in Nashik.
In anticipation of Raj Thackeray’s arrest, MNS workers had gone on a rampage on Tuesday in various parts of Maharashtra.
The wave of violence and disharmony had spread to other towns like Nashik, where the MNS workers forced shops owned by North Indians to shut down and even beat up one shopkeeper who had to be hospitalised.
State transport buses were also pelted with stones in Nashik, Pune and Aurangabad. Shops were also shut down in Pune’s Laxmi Road fearing violence.
Mumbai police, however, say that they are well equipped to handle the situation.
“There could be sporadic incidents here and there because in guerilla tactics anywhere they can throw a stone, somebody comes on a motorcycle and throws a stone at a shop or a vehicle, but we are equipped to handle (it) and if they come in groups and try to do anything we are going to deal with them very firmly,” stated Jt Commissioner, K L Prasad.
Security has also been beefed up in many other areas – designated as "sensitive" – fuelling rumours yet again that Raj Thackeray’s arrest would be carried out some time on Wednesday.
The riot control force is also maintaining a round-the-clock vigil.
"We have been asked to strengthen security in our area similar to security arrangements we maintain during events like Ganesh festival ", a police official told news agency PTI.
“I won't be surprised if he (Raj Thackeray) is picked up by noon and produced before a court and all necessary formalities completed within the shortest possible time,” the source said.
The police had filed a non-bailable FIR against both Raj Thackeray and SP leader Abu Asim Azmi on Tuesday but had not arrested either.
Police sources had told CNN-IBN that they would not carry out the arrests immediately but would take another two or three days to build a watertight case against them.
"Arrest depends on the investigations in the case. It is not mandatory according to law," DGP (Maharashtra) PS Pasricha had said on Tuesday.
After Raj Thackeray’s provocative statements against North Indians – in particular migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar – Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh had filed an FIR against the MNS supremo.
The Mumbai police had, however, maintained throughout the week gone by that they would act upon the report only after reviewing the legalities and security that such a politically charged arrest would entail.
Mumbai saw fresh incidents on Tuesday night when, in the suburb of Goregaon, a taxi was vandalized and a motorcycle set on fire.
Although the police are tight-lipped over the attacks, the perpetrators are suspected to be MNS workers.
Now that the paramilitary and riot police have been rushed in, the law-enforcers may just find their hand forced.
Till then, Raj Thackeray roams free as his men hold the state to ransom.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
