'Drunk' men create ruckus at Anna's fast site

By Sapan Kapoor
New Delhi, Aug 22 (PTI) The dark hours in Ramlila Maidan
in the Indian capital city Delhi that have been normally a
witness to slogan shouting and singing of 'bhajans' saw
another scene in the wee hours Monday when a group of "drunk"
men created ruckus at the site of Anna Hazare's protest.
Hurling abuses, over two dozen people picked up a fight
with the media crew stationed at the spacious Maidan where
Hazare is on an indefinite fast demanding a strong
anti-corruption law.
The first scene of the episode unfolded around 12.30 am
(IST) when a man in his early thirties came near the media
enclosure and started uttering deregatory words. He then
entered the enclosure and refused to move out.
Police was called in and after much persuasion, he was
taken out. Policemen were heard telling media persons that
they cannot detain him as they do not have orders to take
action against protesters.
Peace that returned to the ground was shortlived as a
group of around 30 "drunk" men surfaced in the ground 90
minutes later demanding that the media interview them. Some of
them tried to damage barricades and started hurling abuses.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Vivek Kishore
rushed to the spot as policemen were unable to control the
group. Police formed a cordon to prevent anyone from entering
the media enclosure.
"We apologise for their (drunk men) behaviour but please
do not report this incident as it could have a negative impact
on our movement," pleaded one volunteer.
As order returned to the Maidan, volunteers started a
clean up operation by picking up left over trash from the area
where the drunk men had gathered.

"Our hands are tied. We have instructions from the
top...We cannot take any action," said a policeman, adding
that "if we take any action now, media will be the first one
to air that on TV putting our jobs at risk."
"We know how to teach them a lesson right now but not
without orders," said another policeman.
Police are not even allowed to carry lathis under the
instructions from the top, he said.
Soon after, a man in his late twenties fainted in the
Maidan due to weakness.
He was taken to the medical camp set up inside the Maidan
where he was being treated by doctors.