Over 400 detained in Mumbai as violence mars Maratha stir

As many as 447 persons were detained across the city today as protesters demanding reservation for the Maratha community took to the streets.

Protesters attacked buses, stoned local trains and indulged in arson.

"We have taken 447 people in custody and the process of registration of offences against them is going on," a police spokesperson said.

Maratha organisations had given a call for Bandh in Mumbai and surrounding areas today.

Protests were held at 45 places in the city, and in some places the civic-run BEST buses were stoned, roads were blockaded and public property was damaged, the spokesperson said.

In adjoining Thane city, police detained 20 persons for vandalising public property.

Thane police commissioner Param Bir Singh said some "mischievous elements" indulged in violence even though the leaders of the agitation tried to maintain peace.

"We have registered offences and so far detained 20 persons. We have also identified some more persons who were involved in these acts," he said.

Police burst teargas shells to disperse a mob which went on a rampage at Nitin Junction, Singh said.