Police foils demo before PM, 12 Hazare supporters detained

Bhubaneswar, Jan 3: At least 12 Anna Hazare supporters, including three women, were detained by police while attempting to stage a demonstration before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cavalcade, police said.

The incident took place near a private hospital at Damana Chhak on the way to KIIT University, venue of the 99th Indian Science Congress in the city. However, the agitators were captured and taken away by the police before the PM's cavalcade passed through the place, police said.

"The attempt by a handful of people to stage a demonstration was effectively foiled as securitymen swung into action as soon as the group holding placards appeared near the PM's route," a senior police official said.

Demanding a strong Lokpal, the demonstrators carried placards and flags and shouted slogans when police picked them up in a van. "They were later released on personal release (PR) bond," said an inspector. The agitators were released after Singh left the Odisha capital at about 1 pm.

PTI