Bal Thackeray's Funeral Begins

The final journey of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray began with his body being taken out for funeral procession from his residence in suburban Bandra this morning amid presence of thousands of grief-stricken Shiv Sainiks, who have come from across Maharashtra. The body of 86-year-old Sena leader, who breathed his last yesterday, was taken out of his residence 'Matoshree' in a hearse adorned with flowers. Thackeray, who was critically ill since last Wednesday, was declared dead last afternoon by Dr Jaleel Parkar who was treating him. The Sena chief had been suffering from respiratory problems and pancreatic disease.