Regd. No. MH/MR/South-160/2012-14 RNI Regn. No. 43675/1985 MUMBAI FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014 32 PAGES `3 Website: www.afternoondc.in
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Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena cadres unleash violence and mayhem outside Old Custom House
Stones being thrown in retaliation, the presence of policemen notwithstanding, yesterday.
By Prashant Hamine
S
hiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) cadres came to blows and indulged in stone-throwing yesterday outside the office of Mumbai City District Collector and Returning Officer Shaila A. even as their leaders marched in to file their nomination papers. In a free-for-all, cadres from both the sides pelted stones and cold drink bottles at each other, forcing the police to resort to a lathi-charge. The rioting left two Shiv Sena activists Krishnakant Shinde, Ash-
The price of covering elections in Mumbai
Top: A senior police officer stands his ground even though bleeding from a head injury. Above: A TV crew member too bore the brunt, yesterday.
wini Khatavkar, Jai Maharashtra television channel cameraman Dilip Rai and a police inspector grievously injured. A case of rioting has been registered at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police station. According to reports from media-persons present, trouble began when Sena candidate from Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency, Arvind Sawant, accompanied by his followers reached the Collectorate in Fort. Cadres from both the sides began waving party flags and had verbal exchanges. The situation soon deteriorated with stones and cold drink bottles being thrown by both groups. The Jai Maharashtra news channel cameraman, Dilip Rai, sustained serious injuries as miscreants smashed a cold drink bottle on his head. District Collector Shaila A. stated that the incident took place outside the 100 meter periphery of her office and that adequate police force has been deployed. Speaking to news-persons at party office Shivalaya in south Mumbai, party MP and general secretary Anil Desai stated that the supporters of MNS candidate Aditya Shirodkar from Mumbai South-Central had arrived at the venue even before Shirodkar was to arrive. Accusing the police of being mere bystanders in the rioting that ensued, he claimed that the provocation and attack on the Shiv Sena cadres was deliberate. Sawant on the other hand alleged that the MNS cadres present were deliberately trying to instigate the Shiv Sena cadres by abusing them in filthy language. Reacting to the situation, state NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik demanded that considering the clashes between the two parties, Continued on pg 5 ÂŤ