The Centre on Tuesday said Anna Hazare was detained by the Delhi Police as he had made clear his intentions to defy prohibitory orders imposed on his proposed fast demanding a strong Lokpal bill.
“Anna Hazare was detained because he said he intended to defy prohibitory orders,” Home Secretary R.K. Singh told reporters in New Delhi.
The Home Secretary was responding to questions on why Mr. Hazare was taken into custody by the Delhi Police.
Official sources said the Home Ministry has sought a report from the Delhi Police on the circumstances leading to the detention of Mr. Hazare, his other associates and the overall situation in the national Capital.
The report is expected later in the day, sources said.
In an early morning crackdown, Mr. Hazare and his close aides were detained by police after the Gandhian vowed to go ahead with his fast for a strong Lokpal and defy prohibitory orders at the venue of his agitation.