MNS chief Raj Thackeray detained as his workers protested across Maharashtra againt toll tax
Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena or MNS chief, has been detained while on his way to stage a protest at the Vashi Toll Plaza in Mumbai, as the police tries to keep law and order in the face of a road blockade organised by the party against toll tax in the state.
Mr Thackeray had warned yesterday that "all the highways in Maharashtra where toll is collected will be shut from 09:00am, this is final."
Nearly 500 MNS workers have been detained across Maharashtra since yesterday, a preventive measure. Massive security arrangements are in place - 20 companies from the State Reserve Police Force and four from the Rapid Action Force have been deployed. There is heavy police presence at toll plazas.
MNS workers have blocked National Highway 6. Other major routes that could be also be affected by the stir are the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Eastern Express Highway and Western Express Highway, Bandra-Worli Sea Link etc.
Since last month, MNS workers have attacked and vandalised toll booths across the state on Mr Thackeray's orders. Mr Thackeray accuses contractors of overcharging citizens, without repairing potholed roads or providing amenities, and continuing to do so after recovering the cost of construction.
The MNS chief faces multiple cases for instigating his party cadres; yesterday, the city police served him a notice asking him to refrain from any activity that would create law and order problems.
"We are prepared to handle any situation with firm hands and action will be taken against the anti-social elements if they indulge in any kind of vandalism," Hemant Nagrale, Mumbai's Acting Police Commissioner had said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had invited the MNS chief for talks and appealed to him to call off the protest. "He should not do anything that will trouble citizens. We are considering toll policy for the state," Mr Chavan said.