Elsewhere in Maharashtra, stray cases of violence were reported in Ahmednagar district where MNS workers targeted buses breaking window panes in Sangamner area and resorted to arson and stone pelting at several places.

"There were no reports of any major violence in the city and the situation was largely peaceful," Police said.

As they kept a tight vigil on the country's financial capital, Police said they had been given instructions to sternly deal with MNS activists if they indulge in violence after Raj was picked up in connection with the attack on North Indian job aspirants on Sunday.

Curfew has been clamped in the area around the Kalyan court, where Thackeray was to be produced, and the Manpada police station, police said apparently not wanting to take any chances after Tuesday's arson and rioting in Thane.

The police had a tough time dispersing the crowd which had gathered around the police station and were maintaining a tight vigil.

In overnight violence in neighbouring Thane, three persons including brother of a local MNS leader were killed, Thane Police Commissioner Anil Dhere said.

The deaths were reported in the Pisoli village area in Kalyan last night after a clash between two groups.

Miscreants torched an auto-rickshaw in the northern suburb of Dahisar and damaged another in suburban Ghatkopar.

Services on the Central Railway was disrupted for some time when miscreants attempted to block tracks using a cement sleeper near Kalyan station, railway officials said.

MNS actions dangerous for democracy: Political class

New Delhi, October 22:

... contd.