Hazare reaches Pune, leaves for native village

Pune,Sep 1: Shouts of ''Vande Mataram'' greeted anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare as he arrived here on Aug 31 from Delhi after being discharged from a hospital in Gurgaon, where he had been undergoing treatment after breaking his 12-day fast in support of the Jan Lokpal bill.

Hundreds of supporters, carrying the tri-colour, hailed the Gandhian as he came out of the Pune airport and left for Ralegan Siddhi, his native village about 120 km from here, by road.

Police had a tough time controlling the jostling crowds trying to get a glimpse of Hazare as he boarded a car for Ralegan.

Hazare's personal assistant, Suresh Pathare said the septuagenarian activist would be taking rest on Sep 1 and would address villagers on Friday, Sep 2.

Earlier, Hazare's associate, Shyam Asawa had said that the Gandhian had spoken to villagers over phone and asked them not to arrange any lavish reception for him.

PTI