Police foils 96-year-old Gandhian's attempt to jump into river

Police here on Friday prevented a 96-year-old Gandhian and freedom fighter Chimman Lal Jain's bid to jump into Yamuna river from the Strachey Bridge to protest against the government's failure to stop liquor sales in Dalit colonies.

Talking to IANS on Friday, Jain said: "Life is not worth living under the present government which has failed to introduce social reforms and stop liquor sale which is ruining the lives of thousands of families in Agra."

He said social activist Anna Hazare had asked him to lead a national movement against liquor.

Earlier, on Thursday evening Jain left the house without informing anyone of his whereabouts. He was later traced, brought back home around 9 p.m. and asked to remain in the house.

Since June, Jain has been spearheading a movement in Dalit colonies to stop liquor consumption. Many families were falling apart due to the liquor addiction of some members.

He announced on January 30, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, that he would take 'Jal Samadhi' (sacrifice his life by jumping into the river) into the Yamuna, if the government failed to accept his demand.