Anna supporters throng Tihar ahead of protest

Anna Hazare supporters today gathered outside Tihar Jail to greet the Gandhian who is all set to drive out of the prison to launch his protest for a strong Lok Pal at Ramlila Maidan as authorities put in place elaborate security arrangements.

As supporters started pouring in chanting anti-corruption slogans, about 250 Delhi policemen were deployed to provide security around Tihar, while another 200 men in uniform were kept on standby.

Old and young, men and women gathered at Tihar shouting anti-corruption slogans, extending their support for the Jan Lokpal Bill, though brief early morning showers played spoil sport for them.

The DG prisons office became a centre of attraction for residents as about a dozen of Out Broadcasting (OB) were parked here to cover the agitation running 24-7 since August 16 by the Gandhian, demanding an effective Lok Pal Bill.

Bomb disposal teams and dog squads conducted a surprise check outside Tihar Jail here early this morning, soon after the Anna Hazare team announced that the Gandhian would move out of the prison to launch his anti-corruption protest at Ramlila Maidan.
   
The teams descended outside the jail, where Hazare supporters were camping to express solidarity with the 73-year-old social activist, at around 3:30 am and conducted a thorough check and sanitised the area.
   
The security personnels' action resulted in giving some anxious moments for scores of protesters assembled there as they were seen enquiring whether there was input about any suspicious object being planted there.

Sniffer dogs also conducted searches along with members of the bomb disposal squad.
   
As the area outside the jail was littered with heaps of plastic bags and food pouches, the security personnel were seen minutely checking each and every waste material to ensure that no suspicious object was hidden beneath.
   
Hazare had refused to come out of jail after being released from detention yesterday demanding that he be allowed to continue with his protest in the capital without any conditions.
   
After a late night meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner B K Gupta, the Hazare team said the Gandhian decided to accept the city police's offer of permitting him to stage his protest for 14 days which could be extended later.