Maharashtra govt plans Z-cover for Anna Hazare

MUMBAI: While politicians in the Centre appeared to be targeting Team Anna members with privilege motions, the Congress-led dispensation in Maharashtra decided to bolster Anna Hazare's security and was even mulling Z-category cover.

Ahmednagar superintendent of police Krishna Prakash moved a proposal seeking approval from the state home department to provide Z security cover to Hazare. "The SP has initiated Z security proposal, but it has not yet reached the state government. The government will take a decision on providing security cover to Hazare after receiving the proposal," Umeschandra Sarangi, additional chief secretary (home), said on Saturday.

Ever since Hazare launched his first hunger strike in 1986, the state government had provided him the nominal security of a constable but things have changed tremendously since the last nationwide agitation.

"It was felt that issues raised by Hazare were of paramount importance. His agitation may result in stringent action not only against babus, but even a section of the industrial houses. And he has declared to continue his agitation across the country. Under such circumstances, it was decided to provide a special security cover for him," Sarangi said.