Legal fine print used to detained Anna Hazare

Veteran social activist warned he will be detained even if he steps out of his house. Police act when he comes out of his house.

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare was detained by police at his home in New Delhi on Tuesday to prevent him from defying authorities with a fast to the death to force tougher laws against corruption. Here is how the police took him into custody, using a fine print of the law.

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Authorities warn Anna Hazare, 74, and his supporters on Monday night they will be taken into custody even if they "step out" of a flat in Mayur Vihar in East Delhi. Authorities used a clause of the law which enables them to detain people who can endanger public peace. He is not charged of any offence.

Some 15 police officials visit Hazare on Tuesday morning, request him not to come out of the flat. Hazare says no and comes out; police promptly arrest him.

Hazare is driven away in an unmarked car. Hazare's colleagues Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi are also detained. They are presently being detained in a government officers' mess at Civil Lines.

Hazare's supporters release a recorded VCD of his speech in which the Gandhian activist says his "arrest" marks the start of India's "second independence struggle". Hazare says in the message his supporters will march to J P Park, where he was denied permission to hold a hunger strike.

110 people have been detained in Delhi since last night for proceeding to J P Park.

Two magistrates are on stand-by to hear the pleas of Hazare and his supporters.