Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Sureshdada Jain on July 7 demanded arrest of noted anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices through a trust floated by him.

Jain and Hazare are locked in legal battle with both of them filing defamation cases against each other.

Speaking to reporters at Mantralaya, Jain claimed he had evidence on Hazare's involvement in corruption through his trust titled "Anna Bhrashtachari Virodhi Jan Andolan".

The minister also said that he would disclose the evidence periodically through the media.

Reacting to Jain's outburst against Hazare, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters that the government could not take suo motu action against Hazare but would have to verify reports from the concerned departments on allegations of corruption.

The allegations levelled by Jain pertain to several departments and hence the departments would have to set the law into motion by suggesting action against Hazare, he said.

On July 3, a Pune court had issued summons against Jain on a defamation case filed by Hazare. The notice is returnable on July 17. Hazare filed a defamation case against the minister for allegedly terming him 'fraud' in media.

In June, Jain filed a defamation complaint against Hazare in Jalgaon for allegedly calling him 'corrupt'.

PTI