Times of India

Mumbai, May 30: A few north Indians were injured when about 800 MNS activists attacked them at a meeting organised by the Samajwadi Party and some other north Indian fronts. 

While the police said five north Indians were critically injured, officials at Bhagwati Hospital, where the injured were taken, said three persons were brought in with minor injuries and discharged after basic treatment. Thirty-five MNS activists have been arrested. 

Additional police forces were sought as the police were outnumbered by the mob. 

MNS’ labour union chief Sharad Sawant said, “The city SP chief, Abu Azmi, has been repeatedly making statements against Raj Thackeray. We had planned to teach them a lesson. On Thursday, Azmi was supposed to come for a meeting but he did not. Then one of his cronies said ‘Does Mumbai belong to Raj Thackeray’s father?’. We were enraged and attacked them. More will be attacked on Friday.’’ 

MNS general-secretary Pravin Darekarsaid, “We are losing our patience as they are repeatedly abusing Rajsaheb.’’ 

The rally was being held at the MMRDA ground in Goregaon and was attended by MP Kamal Akhtar. “Around 20-25 workers started throwing stones, in full view of the police,’’ said SP general secretary Kuber Mourya. He said their zilla chief Devendra Kumar Singh had suffered a head injury. “We had warned DCP Shivaji Bodkhe when we were tipped off about a possible assault, but the police did not act,’’ he said