Government sources said Central forces on way to Gujarat for poll duty have been asked to break their journey and be on standby in Maharashtra for immediate deployment in case the situation in Mumbai and other cities in the state were to flare up.

"The Union home ministry is in constant touch with the Maharashtra DGP and is closely monitoring the developments in Mumbai," a senior MHA official said adding that more forces would be spared as soon as a request is made by the state. -- The Times of India

Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor outside Matoshree. Pic: Arun Patil