Mumbai: Accused of going slow on the violence against North Indians, police today filed a case against Maharashtra Navnirmam Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for "promoting" enmity between groups.

Police officials said a case was registered against Thackeray at the suburban Vikhroli police station last night. A case has also been registered against Samajwadi party leader Abu Asim Azmi in Shivaji Park police station.

Violence sparked off on February 3 after Thackeray spearheaded a campaign against North Indians and accused film star Amitabh Bachchan of taking more interest in Uttar Pradesh than Maharashtra.

Soon after, north Indian taxi drivers and vendors were targeted by alleged MNS activists and charges were traded against each other by MNS and SP leaders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII) D Karale said Thackeray has been booked for wantonly provoking with an intent to cause riot and promoting enmity between groups.

Thackeray has also been charged with making assertions prejudicial to national integration, he said. Thackeray and Azmi have been booked under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153 A (promoting enmity between groups on the basis of place of birth, residence, etc) and 153 B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration).

Azmi allegedly made provocative speeches at the Samajwadi party rally held at Shivaji Park on February 3. SP leader Amar Singh had filed an FIR against Thackeray following the party's rally.

Source : PTI