Will Hazare be arrested?

Delhi police sources say they are keeping options open to nip any potential law and order problem in the bud

Will Hazare be arrested?

Delhi police sources say they are keeping options open to nip any potential law and order problem in the bud

It seems unlikely, but according to Delhi police sources it is possible. Social activist Anna Hazare might be detained even before he begins his hunger strike against the government's Lokpal Bill in the Capital on August 16, sources said.

Digging deep: Security personnel checking Jaiprakash Narayan Park,
where Anna Hazare will sit for his hunger strike. pic/imtiyaz khan

They also added that the attack against Anna Hazare, accusing him of corruption and 'challenging the constitutional authority of Parliament', by senior ministers and the Congress party on Sunday might be a part of the strategy. Taking lessons from the Ramdev episode at Ramlila Grounds that had brought flak for the government and the police, this time authorities may arrest the members of Team Anna even before the start of their protest.

Taking no chances
Sources said Delhi police have already started the mobilisation of a large number of personnel at the Jaiprakash Narayan Park, the venue for Anna Hazare's proposed anti-corruption fast. "All gates of the park were blocked and manned by Delhi Police on Sunday," said an eyewitness.

Delhi police claimed that the force is deployed in view of Independence Day. "The place lies on the route of the prime minister while he heads towards Red Fort. The arrangement has been made to secure the route," said a police officer.

On Sunday, three UPA ministers including Pranab Mukherjee, and two Congress leaders Digvijay Singh and Manish Tewari, attacked Anna Hazare. Mukherjee said that the activist was challenging the Constitution and Parliament's authority and such a step was not acceptable.