Mumbai, July 9 (IANS) Right-wing Shiv Sena activists went on the rampage in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra Sunday following the alleged desecration of the statue of party supremo Bal Thackeray's wife by unidentified miscreants.

Police have been put on high alert across the state following the incidents of violence and arson.

The Shiv Sena torched two buses, including one carrying domestic tourists, at Shivaji Park, in Dadar central Mumbai, and in Nasik.

The violence broke out after unidentified people allegedly threw mud on the statue of Thackeray's wife, Meenatai, near Shivaji Park. The party has threatened to take drastic action against those involved in the desecration of the statue.

Violence broke out in Dadar when firemen moved in to douse a burning bus torched by the protestors, who then blocked traffic. Shops and business establishments in the western suburbs were forced to close down by the Shiv Sainiks.

Seven people have been arrested so far for arson, said police. Mumbai Police has deployed two extra battalions in Dadar to control the situation. The police fired teargas to disperse the crowd.

Incidents of stone pelting were reported from several areas in the city.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has called a bandh in Navi Mumbai in protest.

"Maharashtra has been put on high alert following violent protest by Shiv Sena activists in Dardar and Nasik. Addition police personnel have been deployed in Dadar to keep the situation under control," said Maharashtra Director General of police P.S. Pasricha.

"A bus was torched at Dadar and another at Nasik by protesters. Protesters had put up road blockades on the Pune and Aurangabad highways. A police outpost was damaged by the protesters near Shivaji Park," Pasricha told IANS.

"The situation is tense but under control in Mumbai," the DGP added.

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena leader and Bal Thackeray's son, questioned the failure of the Congress-led Vilasrao Desmukh government to tackle the law and order problems in the state.

"Though a police outpost is present just a stone's throw away from the statue at Shivaji Park, police failed to nab the culprits. The government must take action," Udhav said, addressing a press conference.

"It is a question of sentiments. Meenatai, whom the Shiv Sainiks call Maasaheb, is like god to us. Our god has been insulted. The government has to take strong action to nab the culprits."

"You should ask the chief minister why things like this are happening in public places, especially when there is a police station right next door. Should we just stand by and watch while the city gets destroyed," he said.