Jan Lokpal Bill: Tight security for Anna supporters at Ramlila Ground

NEW DELHI: Amid security concerns, Central and Delhi Police personnel have made elaborate arrangements to ensure safety of hundreds of supporters of Anna Hazare at Ramlila Maidan here.

About 500 police personnel have been guarding the ground round-the-clock, besides regular checks by bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs to avoid any untoward incident.

Personnel of Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed inside and outside the ground to manage the gathering of large number of people and traffic.

For stricter surveillance, forces have been deployed at all vantage points, including high rises around the area.

"There are three layers of security for the area. While the inner and outer layers are manned by Delhi Police personnel, the security for middle ring is with the CRPF," a senior Delhi Police official said.

An additional six companies (about 600 men) were on stand-by to meet any emergency situation, he added.

Policemen were frisking individuals and checking their baggages through X-ray machines before granting them entry to the ground.

"All arrangements have been made for security of people and Hazare, we want people to be vigilant," the officer said.

Police personnel were regularly cheered by the crowd. Slogans like "ye ander ki baat hai, police hamare saath hai"(police is with us) and "jab ye wardi kholegi, Anna Anna bolegi" (when they will remove their uniforms, they would chant Anna Anna) were shouted by the people.

To provide medical assistance to the fasting Hazare supporters, a temporary medical room has been established and four ambulances stationed.

A fire engine has also been stationed at the venue. "So far, over 8,000 protesters have been treated at the medical camp for various ailments like dehydration, diarrhoea, fever and asthma," said Dr Pankaj, who is posted at the medical room.

"300 cases have been referred to Lok Nayak Hospital," he said, adding a team of doctors were providing their services.