Sena makes its presence felt

MUMBAI: Shiv Sainiks showed glimpses of their destructive traits on Sunday after the bust of Meenatai, the late wife of Sena chief Bal Thackeray, was found desecrated in Shivaji Park.

They burnt buses, blocked rail traffic and engaged in stone-pelting, forcing police to lob teargas shells at the mob to control the situation.

Meanwhile, the Centre, concerned that the protests in Maharashtra do not trigger a communal situation, has asked the state police to handle the situation “carefully and sensitively” besides offering additional forces to deal with any eventuality.

Union home secretary VK Duggal spoke on Sunday to Maharashtra chief secretary DK Sankaran to enquire about the situation.

Mr Duggal is reported to have offered additional companies of Rapid Action Force, if required, to control the situation.