Thousands detained after protests over Anna's arrest

Thousands of demonstrators were detained on charges of unlawful assembly from across the city today after they protested against the police action against Anna Hazare in Delhi.

"Thousands have been detained and released across police stations in Mumbai," City Commissioner of Police Arup Patnaik told reporters here.

People in large numbers held protests at Azad Maidan without requisite permission in support of Anna Hazare and were picked up for unlawful assembly, a police officer said.

Similar protests were held at Matunga and Dindoshi areas of the city.

The protesters raised slogans such as 'Vande Mataram', 'Anna Hazare hum tumhare saath hain' (Anna we are with you), 'corruption hatao' (eliminate corruption) when the police started lodging them in vans.

Traffic in and around the Azad Maidan was affected and vehicular movements were diverted accordingly.

Meanwhile, Home Minister R R Patil took stock of the situation in the state in the wake of the pro-Hazare protest with senior Home Ministry and police officials.

The situation, however, is peaceful, Patil said adding no untoward incident has been reported anywhere in the state.

Patil appealed protesters to maintain peace. He also asked the police to handle the situation patiently.