Anna begins 3-day fast today, heavy security at ground

Anna Hazare will today begin his three-day fast against the "weak" Lok Pal Bill tabled by the government in Parliament.

Hazare, who reached here last night from his village Ralegan Siddhi, will pay respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Juhu and proceed to the fast venue, MMRDA ground, in suburban Bandra in a rally.

Amid concerns over his health as he was suffering from viral infection, Hazare had yesterday said he will go ahead with his protest and claimed that his movement was not against any side, person or party.

"Although today is a working day, we are confident about offering a strong, overwhelming reception to our 74-year -old veteran, who is leaving no stone unturned for the betterment of our very own future," an IAC spokesperson said. The rally will pass through Santacruz, Tulip Star hotel, Mithibai college, S V Road, Vile Parle, Khar and Bandra Highway.

Maharashtra government has said all necessary security arrangements have been made for the stir in Mumbai.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) U C Sarangi chaired a high-level meeting yesterday where he reviewed the law and order situation and security scenario in the city ahead of Hazare's fast.

Police have fortified the fast venue by deploying 2000 police constables and 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 has six emergency exits, 16 fire extinguishers, six metal detector units and round-the-clock ambulance services.