Thane civic polls: Supporters of Meenakshi Shinde, Bhushan Bhoir clash in Manpada; heavy security deployed

THANE: Supporters of two candidates clashed during Thane civic polls on Thursday, forcing police to step in, officials said on Friday.Tensions flared in Ward 3, Manpada, after a confrontation between supporters of former mayor Meenakshi Shinde, the official Shiv Sena nominee, and independent candidate Bhushan Bhoir, a rebel from Shiv Sena.Shinde alleged that Bhoir had mobilised armed supporters to provoke violence, while Bhoir’s camp accused Shinde’s group of throwing chilli powder in their candidate’s eyes. The situation worsened when protesters intercepted a bus carrying ballot boxes, leading to attempted vandalism of the vehicles.Local MP Naresh Mhaske, who visited the spot, said, "I have reached here to create an atmosphere of peace and to gather information regarding the incident involving Meenakshi Shinde." Thane DCP (Zone-5) Prashant Kadam said the situation was now under control."Whatever dispute there was between the two groups, the police have mediated and calmed down the matter. All ballot boxes have reached the strongroom, and citizens should not believe in rumours," he told the media.A heavy police presence has been deployed in Manpada ahead of vote counting, authorities said.Both candidates have accused each other of distributing cash and intimidating voters throughout the election campaign.So far, no formal complaint has been registered, police added.(Wioth agency inputs)