Raj Thackeray  Summoned in connection with the IL&FS case, Mumbai Police prepared for MNS leader Raj Thackeray's appearance at the Enforcement Directorate by imposing Section 144 in parts of the city

Raj Thackeray appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai today, in response to a summons over a case linked to the collapse of shadow bank Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS). The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief is being investigated for alleged links to a construction company - .Kohinoor CTNL - which received loans and equity investments worth Rs. 450 crore from IL&FS.

Raj Thackeray reached the probe agency's office at around 11.30 am. He was accompanied by wife Sharmila, son Amit and daughter in law Mitali, who shifted to a nearby hotel after he entered the ED building.

Earlier today Mumbai Police increased security around ED offices in Ballard Estate in anticipation of party workers protesting Raj Thackeray's summons and appearance.

The police issued notices under sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure that empowered them to carry out arrests without a warrant. Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than four persons in an area, was also imposed in localities under Marine Drive, MRA Marg, Dadar, and Azad Maidan police stations.

"As there is a possibility of law and order issue in the view of Raj Thackeray's inquiry by the ED, we have given notices to MNS leaders and members," a senior police office confirmed.Earlier today MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande and other party workers were detained by Mumbai Police in an effort to pre-empt any law-and-order problem. He was wearing a t-shirt decorated with the phrase "EDiot Hitler". The t-shirt also had the Nazi symbol printed on it.

An MNS worker allegedly committed suicide in Thane on Wednesday. The party has claimed that 27-year-old Pravin Chowgule was driven to the act because he was upset by the ED summons.MNS workers had earlier called for a bandh to protest the ED's summons; the bandh was withdrawn after an appeal by Raj Thackeray to respect the legal process.