Mumbai - Black flags shown to Anna on his way to Juhu

Mumbai: Anti-corruption Anna Hazare was shown black flags by protestors while he was on his way to Juhu on Tuesday morning. The convoy of Anna, on way to Mahatma Gandhi's statue on Juhu beach, was briefly stopped by around 20 men carrying black flags and national tricolour and shouting "Anna Hazare murdabad", close to the guest house where the activist stayed on Monday night.

The identity of the protesters was not immediately known.

After paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Hazare headed for the MMRDA grounds in an open truck. He is all set to begin his three-day fast at the MMRDA grounds in Mumbai, where crowds had already started gathering early on Tuesday morning.

In Mumbai, Hazare will be accompanied by his key aides Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi. Hazare is expected to reach the MMRDA grounds in an open truck after he visits a few temples.

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, S V 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) U C 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.

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