Thousands protest corruption

On the 63rd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Sunday, more than 1,000 citizens and activists of non-government organisations gathered at Azad Maidan to protest against the corruption.

On the 63rd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Sunday, more than 1,000 citizens and activists of non-government organisations gathered at Azad Maidan to protest against the corruption. It was a part of the nationwide protest against corruption — India against Corruption.

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The protestors demanded the passing of the Lokpal Bill prepared by eminent citizens such as Kiran Bedi, Justice Santosh Hegde, Prashant Bhushan, JM Lyngdoh and others instead of the bill proposed by the state.

“We want the Lokpal Bill proposed by the citizens to be passed as it would give more transparency and keep the entire process free from political interference. The one proposed by the government could be misused like other laws,” said Mohammed Afzal, Right to Information activist. The major changes proposed by the people in the Bill are that the Lokayukta should be allowed to investigate the judges without anyone’s permission. Currently, the Chief justice of India’s permission is required to lodge an FIR against any judge.

Also, the CBI and Anti-Corruption Bureau should be merged with the Lokpal and Lokayukta and be allowed to investigate independently against the corrupt officers and politicians. “Now the time has come for people to take action and not just blame the politicians,” said Mayank Gandhi, founder of Jagrut Nagrik Manch.

“The IAS and IPS officers seem to have forgotten the definition of the word service,” said Julio Riberio, former police commissioner of Mumbai.