Hazare's detention unconstitutional: Ramdev

Delhi Police has no legal power to detain Gandhian activist Anna Hazare for holding a peaceful protest, said yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Tuesday.

Delhi Police has no legal power to detain Gandhian activist Anna Hazare for holding a peaceful protest, said yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Tuesday.

Comparing Hazare's detention early on Tuesday, before he was about to begin his fast-unto-death, with the crackdown on himself, Ramdev said this time the police was mild and respectful while it was barbaric in his case.

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"It is sad that the government has been trying to suppress the voice of people who rise against corruption. It is really unconstitutional and undemocratic," he told a TV channel.

In a letter to the prime minister on Monday, Ramdev had appealed to ensure that Delhi Police do not use force against Hazare.

Ramdev's fast against black money at New Delhi's Ramlila Ground, which started June 4, was forcibly ended with a post-midnight crackdown. Ramdev was externed from Delhi and sent back to his ashram.