Heavy security at MMRDA ground ahead of Anna fast

Anna paid respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Juhu and proceeded to the fast venue, MMRDA ground, in suburban Bandra in a rally. Layout of venue | Pics | Cops who know Anna will help calm tempers

Anna Hazare will on Tuesday begin his three-day fast against the "weak" Lokpal Bill tabled by the government in Parliament.

Hazare, who reached in Mumbai on Monday night from his village Ralegan Siddhi, paid respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Juhu and proceeded to the fast venue, MMRDA ground, in suburban Bandra in a rally.

Amid concerns over his health as he was suffering from viral infection, Hazare had on Monday said he will go ahead with his protest and claimed that his movement was not against any side, person or party.

"Although today is a working day, we are confident about offering a strong, overwhelming reception to our 74-year-old veteran, who is leaving no stone unturned for the betterment of our very own future," an IAC spokesperson said.

The rally will pass through Santacruz, Tulip Star hotel, Mithibai college, SV Road, Vile Parle, Khar and Bandra Highway.

Maharashtra government has said all necessary security arrangements have been made for the stir in Mumbai.

Additional chief secretary (Home) UC Sarangi chaired a high-level meeting on Monday where he reviewed the law and order situation and security scenario in the city ahead of Hazare's fast.

Police have fortified the fast venue by deploying 2000 police constables and 200 sub-inspectors of police, six platoons of state reserve police force, three teams of Quick Response Team and two Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads.

The ground has six emergency exits, 16 fire extinguishers, six metal detector units and round-the-clock ambulance services.