Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Anna Hazare supporters Thursday
gathered outside Tihar Jail, Thursday, to greet the Gandhian who is all set to drive out of the prison tomorrow to launch his protest for a strong Lokpal at Ramlila Maidan as authorities put in place
elaborate security arrangements.
As supporters started pouring in chanting anti-corruption
slogans, about 250 Delhi policemen were deployed to provide
security around Tihar, while another 200 men in uniform were
kept on standby.
Old and young, men and women gathered at Tihar shouting
anti-corruption slogans, extending their support for the Jan
Lokpal Bill, though brief early morning showers played spoil
sport for them.
The DG prisons office became a centre of attraction
for residents as about a dozen of Out Broadcasting (OB) were
parked here to cover the agitation running 24-7 since August
16 by the Gandhian, demanding an effective Lokpal Bill.
Bomb disposal teams and dog squads conducted a surprise
check outside Tihar Jail here early this morning.
The teams descended outside the jail, where Hazare
supporters were camping to express solidarity with the 73-year-old social activist, at around 3:30 am and conducted a thorough check and sanitised the area.
The security personnels` action resulted in giving some
anxious moments for scores of protesters assembled there as
they were seen enquiring whether there was input about any
suspicious object being planted there.
Sniffer dogs also conducted searches along with members
of the bomb disposal squad.
As the area outside the jail was littered with heaps of
plastic bags and food pouches, the security personnel were
seen minutely checking each and every waste material to ensure
that no suspicious object was hidden beneath.
Hazare will be moving over to Ramlila Maidan tomorrow to continue with his fast aimed at pressing for a strong Lokpal Bill.
After a late night meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner
B K Gupta, the Hazare team said the Gandhian decided to accept
the city police`s offer of permitting him to stage his protest
for 14 days which could be extended later.
with PTI inputs
