About 100 Shiv Sainiks today tried to enter the Stock Exchange (BSE), Mumbai, in an attempt to disrupt trading.
The agitators sought to stop trading at the exchange in support of the bandh called to pay homage to the victims of Ghatkopar bus blast . However, they withdrew after BSE executive director Manoj Vaish met them, BSE officials told reporters here.
Ghatkopar bomb blast: Photo Essay
Vaish said trading operations were normal and the agitation had not affected activity at the exchange.
Security has since been strengthened and the entry to BSE has now been restricted.
The agitators tried to enter the premises at the fag end of the trading hours.
Road and rail services were thrown out of gear as Shiv Sainiks blocked traffic by squatting on tracks and main thoroughfares, police said.
Suburban train services were paralysed at Dombivali, Ghatkopar, Mulund, Diva, Kalyan, Sewri, Wadala, Currey Road, Chinchpokli, Borivali, Dadar and Marine Lines.
Early today, long distance train services were disrupted for a brief period. However, Sena activists allowed the prestigious Rajdhani and August Kranti Express trains to proceed to Mumbai Central, railway sources said. The trains started plying as per schedule after noon.
"We have received reports of stone pelting from several places including Girgaum, Parel, Santa Cruz, Vakola, Worli and Chembur areas of the city and Koparkhairne and Vashi in Navi Mumbai," Joint Commissioner of Police Ahmad Javed said.
"Efforts were also made to stop buses in some parts of the city', he said.
Reports of rail roko from Mulund and Borivali have also come in, the Joint Commissioner added.
Shiv Sainiks and BJP activists staged a rail-roko at suburban Borivali near platform number two and stopped a Churchgate-bound local train.
Another rail-roko agitation was reported from Mulund railway station where Shiv Sainiks led by party leader Shishir Shinde blocked the movement of trains.
However, Bangalore-bound Udyan Express was allowed to proceed.
At Mulund, Shiv Sainiks raised slogans and expressed their anguish against the terrorist strikes.
Commercial establishments, including small eateries, shopping complexes and vegetable markets remained closed.
Policemen were deployed in the sensitive areas to monitor the situation. Special mobile patrolling vans were keeping vigil on the law and order situation in the city.
Senior officials have also been deployed at various places to supervise the situation. At railway stations, cops were posted in large numbers and trains and buses were plying with police escort.
BEST, which is also supporting the bandh, is plying 621 out of the scheduled 1916 buses. Out of 2611 drivers, 1281 reported on duty and of the 3029 conductors, 1461 were doing duty, BEST sources said.
So far, nine buses have been damaged in the stone pelting.
Offices in the city witnessed thin attendance with most employees deciding to keep away from work today. Shops and commercial establishments downed shutters and streets wore a deserted look.
In neighbouring Thane district, a total bandh was observed with commercial establishments, educational institutions remaining closed.
No untoward incident was reported so far from Thane, according to official sources here today.
Vehicles entering the city were thoroughly checked and police maintained strict nakabandi at the entry points.
Pictures: Nimesh Dave, Sayed Sameer Abedi
