Sporadic violence mars Maharashtra shutdown. Pic/Ashish Raje

Sporadic incidents of violence, road and rail blockades, stone-pelting, processions and protest demonstrations marred the Maharashtra shutdown called by some Dalit parties on Wednesday amid tight security across the state. Groups of Dalit activists jumped on the railway tracks, shouting slogans and waved flags to attempt rail-blockades at various stations in Thane and Palghar districts, but were prevented by the security forces.