Siv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray
Siv Sena Chief Bal ThackerayReuters

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray (86), who has been in a critical condition since Wednesday, is responding to treatment and is out off life support system, according to party spokesman Sanjay Raut.

"Yesterday definitely there was some problem. Balasaheb is stable and responding to treatment and off life support system. Yesterday there was the need for him to be on life support system but today it is not," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, was quoted as saying by PTI.

Thackeray's condition remains stable but still critical.  "He is being given oxygen and his condition is still not good," a doctor, who did not want to be identified, told PTI.

The security outside Thackeray's "Matoshree" bungalow in Bandra near Mumbai has been beefed up following reports of violence as the Shiv sainiks had damaged media vehicles and equipment, calling them "vultures."   

Actor Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan, who visited the ailing leader, were injured when they struggled through the crowd to enter the house. They were given first aid by the doctors at Balasaheb's residence.

Shiv Sainiks had forced shops to shut down in several parts of Mumbai. The large contingents of police and Rapid Action Force have been deployed in the area.