Mourning outside Matoshree

There was an air of despondency near Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s residence Matoshree after his death was announced on Saturday, Naresh Kamath and Kailash Korde reports.

There was an air of despondency near Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s residence Matoshree after his death was announced on Saturday.

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Supporters, who had been assured until noon that their leader was recovering, were left speechless and in tears.

The crowds swelled after the news spread, as thousands gathered for the last glimpse of their departed leader, with some turning violent.

“This is not just a loss for the Marathi Manoos but also for Hindutva,” said Suresh Gawde, 58, a Bandra resident who has been a part of the Sena since its inception in 1966.

Another supporter, Ashok Bagade, 36, called Thackeray a great leader who walked the talk. “Apart from giving Maharashtrians an identity, he also gave us jobs.”

Shortly before the announcement, there was large-scale movement near Thackeray’s residence. Additional police commissioner Vishwas Nagare Patil oversaw the security cover outside Matoshree, turning it into a virtual fortress.

The supporters turned violent after some time, and the first targets were media personnel.

Sena leaders rushed to control the cadres and urged them to exercise restraint.