Heavy security at fast venue; Hazare to arrive in the evening

Mumbai, Dec 26: Ahead of Anna Hazare's arrival here to launch his three-day fast for a 'strong' Lokpal Bill, the Maharashtra government has fortified the fast venue here by deploying 2000 police constables and 200 sub-inspectors of police. Hazare would be leaving Ralegan Siddhi in the afternoon and is likely to reach here by late evening.

The security at the ground of Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority in suburban Bandra-Kurla Complex will comprise 2,000 constables, 200 sub-inspectors of police, six platoons of state reserve police force, three teams of Quick Response Team and two Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads.

The ground will have six emergency exits, 16 fire extinguishers and six metal detector units, besides round-the-clock ambulance services.

Hazare would be starting the fast at 11 AM tomorrow. Ahead of Parliament debate on Lokpal Bill, Team Anna had yesterday shot off an open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and MPs wanting enactment of "real and best possible" anti-corruption law which should also provide for an independent investigative wing for the ombudsman.

PTI