Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mumbai on Friday amid tight security following Shiv Sena's call for black flag demonstrations against him for his "Mumbai for all Indians" remark. Three Sena activists were detained after they tried to enter the venue of a function the young leader was to attend.

Sena corporator, Rajul Patel, wearing a black sari, and two others were picked up while trying to make way into the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle without proper invite, police said.

The three have been detained and taken to the police station, they said.

Tight security measures are in place after Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Thursday asked his party workers to show the Congress leader black flags to protest his remarks on Mumbai.

Police are also maintaining a strict vigil at the venue in Ghatkopar where 39-year-old Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit later in the day and have sanitised both the venues and adjoining areas.

Shops in both the areas remained closed, police said, adding several trouble makers were detained last night as a preventive measure.

This is Rahul Gandhi's maiden visit to the financial capital after he became the AICC general secretary.