Protests, bandh in Anna Hazare's hometown after his detention

Ralegan Siddhi (Maha), Aug 16: People in social activist Anna Hazare's village in Ahmednagar district today (Aug 16) protested against his detention in Delhi by coming on to the streets along with their cattle and blocking the traffic.

The 73-year-old Gandhian, who was scheduled to hold a fast against corruption in J P Park in Delhi was detained by police early morning today.

As the news of Anna's detention spread, people in the village gathered at the traffic intersection and blocked the vehicular traffic, including some state transport buses.

"The entire village is observing a bandh today," Hazare's associate Datta Awari told PTI.

Youth and school students have also joined the protests, Awari added. Member of Ralegan Siddhi gram panchayat Bheema Pote said that by detaining Anna, the government itself has acted against the constitutional rights of citizens.

Villagers have also decided to observe a fast today in protest of the detention, Pote said. Hazare's supporters will also hold peaceful demonstration in front of the District Collectorate in Ahmednagar city at 11 am today.

PTI