Maharashtra’s Deshmukh government is facing tremendous pressure to act against Maharashtra Navnirman chief Raj Thackeray and clear the air on killing of a Bihar boy in firing by police.

The Union Cabinet discussed the killings of north Indians in Maharashtra on Thursday night after ally Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party insisted on a discussion.

The Cabinet told Home Minister Shivraj Patil to convey to Maharashtra Chief Minister that there was near unanimity in the Cabinet over the two demands.

It also made it clear that MNS leader Raj Thackeray should be arrested under National Security Act.

The Law Minister backed the demand for a judicial probe into the death of Rahul Raj — the boy who attempted hijacking a bus at gun point.

He also said that Rahul Raj’s killing has turned into a police versus public matter.

And as the UPA allies asked for action, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh informed the Cabinet that he had written a strong worded letter to Maharashtra CM.

During the meeting, the Home Minister said he had sent three advisory to Maharashtra government but the UPA allies were not convinced.

However, ministers from Maharashtra like Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Antulay skipped the meet.