India: MNS workers hurl coconuts, cow dung at Uddhav Thackeray's convoy; 20 arrested

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threw coconuts and cow dung at the convoy of former Chief Minister andShiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray in the Indian state of Maharashtra's Thane,on Saturday (August 10), according to a report by news agency ANI.

This comes a day after Raj Thackeray's car was attacked with betel nut by some ShivSena (UBT) supporters. This is alleged to be a retaliatory action. More than 20 people have been taken into custody, according to the police, and the matter is under investigation.

“Former Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy was attacked with Coconut and Cow dung by MNS workers. It is in response to yesterday's incident where Raj Thackeray’s car was attacked with Betel nut,” MNS said.

"The way Uddhav Thackeray's convoy was attacked in Thane. Uddhav Thackeray - who has Z category security - is the son of Balasaheb Thackeray and has been a CM of Maharashtra. This attack is a failure of the state government. The law and order situation has completely collapsed here and the home minister should resign," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said.

The estranged cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, was touring central Maharashtra on Friday. As his convoy was heading to a hotel,ShivSena (UBT) supporters attempted to block his way and threw betel nuts at him, according to officials. The betel nuts reportedly hit another car, but not Raj's vehicle.

The people responsible were arrested, and a case has been lodged against them. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have accused Raj of having accepted a 'supari' or contract to undermine the influence of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

(With inputs from agencies)