E-Paper
Hazare turns down Z-category security
A day after he was provided Z-category security cover by the Maharashtra government, anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare seemed reluctant to accept it.
A day after he was provided Z-category security cover by the Maharashtra government, anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare seemed reluctant to accept it.
“I don’t want security,” Hazare said in Ralegan Siddhi, his native village, around 85km from here.
Referring to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Hazare said, “If these people did not fear for life during their fight for freedom, why should I fear.”
On Saturday, the state government provided him Z-category security, comprising eight commandoes and two personal security officers round the clock. The cover includes a pilot vehicle that will escort Hazare whenever he travels.
Hazare, who was earlier accompanied by two armed policemen in plain clothes, said he would write to state home minister RR Patil on the matter.
The police said the security provided to Hazare was based on the assessment done at the local level.
“We are going to continue the security despite his unwillingness,” said Krishna Prakash, superintendent of police, Ahmednagar.
Hazare, who returned to his village on Thursday, resumed his normal chores on Sunday morning with a walk.
“A person can die of a heart attack too. What is the protection there?” he asked.
