Crime Branch will probe Mumbai violence, says Prithviraj Chavan

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government has directed the Crime Branch to probe the violence which erupted in Mumbai today, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has said.

"The Crime Branch will probe whose hand was behind the violence. It will also probe how the protest turned so violent," Chavan said in a statement tonight.

A high alert has been sounded all over the state, he said, adding Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and State Reserve Police (SRP) personnel have been requisitioned.

"The government has taken a serious note of the incident, Chavan said, adding the situation was now under control.

He said the miscreants began damaging public property soon after the protest rally began at Azad Maidan.

"Altogether 45 police personnel and 10 others have been injured. They are undergoing treatment in city hospitals," he added.

Home Minister R R Patil who rushed to Mumbai tonight said all efforts would be made to nab those behind the incident.

Meanwhile, the 'Patrakar Halla Virodhi Samiti' has condemned the violence and sought compensation for the media equipment damaged in the violence.

The 'TV Journalists Association' flayed the violence saying attack on journalists crew, OB Vans and units is unacceptable.

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Vinod Tawde who visited the spot also condemned the violence.