Political crisis in Maharashtra: Section 144 implemented in Mumbai, police on high alert

The Mumbai police on Saturday enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code banning unlawful assembly in the city and increased security at the homes and offices of all ministers, elected officials, and party leaders as the state was thrown into a political crisis following a rebellion in the Shiv Sena.

On high alert following a few incidents of violence in which Shiv Sena workers attacked the offices of some rebel party MLAs, the Mumbai police said on Saturday that any gathering of more than five people on the streets will be prohibited, with exceptions for weddings, funerals, cinema halls, and other social gatherings outside courts, companies, and educational institutions. Furthermore, no controversial banners or posters will be permitted to be displayed because they may incite emotions, resulting in law and order issues in Mumbai.

According to a press release issued by the Mumbai Police on Saturday, Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey met with top police officials on Friday and asked them to beef up security.