The Mumbai Police on Friday registered a case against 50-60 unidentified people in connection with the scuffle between supporters of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena (UBT) of Uddhav Thackeray at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray on Thursday. However, no arrest has been made in the incident so far.
Shiv Sena workers were heard shouting that the party belongs to them, while those owing allegiance to Uddhav Thackeray raised slogans of "traitors go back".
The scuffle between both the factions broke out after Chief Minister Shinde arrived at the memorial at Shivaji Park in Dadar to pay tribute to Bal Thackeray on his 11th death anniversary.
"Maintaining law and order is everyone's responsibility. I pay homage a day earlier to ensure there is no law and order problems. I condemn the attempt to disrupt peace," Shinde said after the incident, as reported by PTI.
"After I left, (Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Anil Desai and Anil Parab came with supporters and shouted slogans against me, An unnecessary attempt was made to disrupt peace," he added.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde also hit out at Uddhav Thackeray faction and said "Balasaheb Thackeray belongs to everyone and all can pay tribute to him. The incident was uncalled for.
"This was uncalled for. Balasaheb Thackeray belongs to everyone and all can pay tribute to him. If they (Uddhav faction) want to truly show respect to Balaseheb Thackeray, then they must first follow his ideology," he was quoted as saying.
The Shiv Sena split in June last year following a rebellion by Shinde and both factions have since been trying to claim the legacy of Bal Thackeray, also known as 'Hinduhriday Samrat' by supporters.