Released Anna refuses to come out of jail

Social activist Anna Hazare refused to come out of jail on Tuesday, saying that he fears he will be arrested again. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, finding itself increasingly isolated over the arrest and judicial custody of Anna Hazare and his supporters, seemed to be blinking as they decided to release Hazare and seven of his supporters, who were arrested and sent to seven days in judicial custody on Tuesday.

Tihar Jail sources said that though his release orders were ready, Hazare refused to leave Tihar Jail until the government gives him permission to fast at the Jai Prakash Narain Park.

Delhi Police had sent a warrant to Tihar Jail for the release of Hazare and his supporters after withdrawing bail bond conditions, which Hazare had earlier refused to sign. Over 1,500 people who have been detained for taking part in protests demanding Hazare's release are also likely to be released.

Congress Sources say that the Government decided to release Hazare and his supporters after coming to the conclusion that keeping him in jail would create unnecessary law and order problem. The decision to release Hazare was taken after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday evening where Rahul disapproved of the arrest.

Earlier, Hazare supporters Kiran Bedi and Shanti Bhushan were released by the Delhi Police on Tuesday evening.
Hazare and some of his supporters were arrested on Tuesday morning just a few hours before he was to launch his fast for a strong anti-corruption legislation.