Released, Anna stays put in Tihar unless govt gives in to his demand

The government was tonight faced with a piquant situation with Anna Hazare refusing to come out of Tihar Jail despite being offered a release, 15 hours after he was detained and prevented from going on fast demanding a strong Lokpal.

The 73-year-old Gandhian, who was fasting in the jail, was insisting on an unconditional release and permission to launch his fast at Jai Prakash Narain Park from where he had planned to launch his fast this morning.

Hazare's close aide Manish Sisodia, who was arrested along with him and released, said the Gandhian has told the authorities that he will come out of the prison only after a written unconditional permission is given to continue his fast at Jai Prakash Narain Park.

Sisodia said Hazare and activist Arvind Kejriwal were continuing with their fast.

Neeraj Kumar, Director General (Tihar Jail), said Hazare was in his room and all formalities have been completed for his release.

But he has refused to go out as he wants an unconditional release, he said.

Jail sources said Hazare's conditions like permission to fast from JP Park has been communicated to the authorities concerned for final decision.

In a sudden turn of events, government withdrew charges against him after picking up Hazare from a flat in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar at 7:30 am when he refused to heed Delhi Police's request to him not to go ahead with his fast in violation of prohibitory orders.

Amidst scenes of jubilation by hundreds of candle- holding and tri-colour carrying supporters who shouted slogans, Hazare came out of the prison waving to them.

On a day of high drama, Delhi Police, which got Hazare and seven of his associates remanded to seven days judicial custody and lodged them in Tihar Jail, issued warrants of release around 2000 hours as thousands of people courted arrest in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities across the country protesting against the government action. Hazare and his associates were charged under Sections 107 and 151 of CrPC dealing with preventive arrest after police believed that they were about to commit cognizable crimes when they refused to heed to Delhi Police's request not to go ahead with the protest as it would be in violation of prohibitory orders.

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