As the news of his death spread, a large number of RPI activists gathered at the hospital and later at the JJ Coroners' court to pay their respect.

On March 20, Bhai Sangare, founder member of the Dalit Panther, a breakaway RPI group, had burnt copies of the Manusmruti at Mahad in Raigad district.

On the same day in 1927, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had launched a satyagraha at Mahad's water tank, Chavdar Tale, to protest Dalit oppression.

Bhai Sangare, who was severely burnt - though it is still not clear how his clothes caught fire - was brought to Masina Hospital in Byculla here and subsequently shifted to Jaslok for better treatment. The Dalits, who had asked for a CID probe into the incident, showed their ire when Chief Minister Narayan Rane and deputy chiefminister Gopinath Munde came to the JJ Coroner's court to pay their homage at around 5 pm. They were heckled by a crowd of 100-odd RPI activists. Senior Dalit leader Nana Chaskar called for a a Mumbai bandh tomorrow. His call has been supported by the Congress as well. Following news of Sangare's death, few shop-keepers in Wadala, Sewri, Saat Rasta downed shutters today itself.

Commenting on Sangare's death, senior leader Ramdas Athawale said, ``Bhai was a very outspoken leader, and his death is very untimely and a sad occasion for us.'' Athawale added that the state government should have initiated the CID enquiry immediately after Sangare received burn injuries at Mahad. ``It appears that there was some foul play there,'' he said.

However, Munde announced today that he has ordered a CID inquiry in the incident of burning and said the role of the police present at the venue would be questioned.

Meanwhile Chhagan Bhujbal, leader of opposition in the state Council also rushed to JJ after he heard aboutSangare's death. He too expressed shock and regret at the senior leader's demise and reiterated the demand for an impartial inquiry into the incident. Sangare left behind a 25 year old son, Rahul who is also a Dalit leader. Athawale informed that Sangare's body would be taken to his residence at BIT Chawls, Saat Rasta from the morgue at 9 am tomorrow. His funeral procession will start at 4 pm from his residence and his body will be cremated at the Worli cemetery.