Anna Hazare Arrested by Delhi Police ahead of Protest Fast
Anna Hazare
Veteran social activist Anna Hazare was detained by police at his home on Tuesday to prevent him from defying authorities with a fast to the death to force tougher laws against corruption, media reported.
Two other prominent activists Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi were also taken into preventing custody at Rajghat, Delhi Police said.
The 74-year-old Gandhian was taken into custody from a residential area in Mayur Vihar before he was to proceed to the venue of his fast in JP Park where prohibitory orders are in place.
Anna in his addresses to the nation before his arrest asked his supporters not to stop the agitation. He urged the protesters to remain peaceful.
He added: “I appeal to you that let there be no violence in this movement. I also appeal to you, young and old alike, to give eight days of your life to the nation – if necessary for a jail bharo andolan.”
Hazare has become a serious challenge for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government, challenging it over its failure to tackle corruption in Asia’s third largest economy.
Around 500 police personnel have been deployed from early morning itself after the city police imposed Section 144 around the park, police sources said.
Mr. Hazare had on Independence Day asked his supporters to fill up jails across the country if he was arrested after being denied permission to hold fast here.
After Prime Minister Manmohan Singh slammed him for resorting to fast as a protest when Parliament was seized of the Lokpal bill, the Gandhian had said he will go to JP Park despite Delhi police imposing prohibitory orders.
“Arrest is beginning of second freedom struggle”, says Anna Hazare.
This is the time, we all need to give support to Anna Hazare………
we must support anna hazare . bcz this bill was frst introduce in 1971 but could not be passed . thk if it have been passed.there would have been very less corruption. so there should not be any delay. if it is not passed then it will continue to 3g scam,4g and so on. if we indian wants a powerful nation then we must support . but it should be dicuss well and which should not hamper the basic rights of constituton. jai hind anna hazare ki jai