Arvind Kejriwal forgives attacker, asks for his release

Arvind Kejriwal was at a public event in Lucknow when a man rushed towards the stage that the activist was exiting and threw a slipper at him. Jitendra Pathak was arrested by the police. He is from the Jalaun district; he claims that he is not associated with any political party, according to PTI. Mr Pathak reportedly holds the activist responsible for "misleading people on the issue of corruption."

Mr Kejriwal is a core member of the activists leading the India Against Corruption campaign, fronted by Gandhian Anna Hazare. This is the second attack on a member of Team Anna in the last ten days.

Kiran Bedi, who is at the heart of that team, has asked for an independent inquiry into today's attack. On Twitter, Team Anna posted, "Arvind Kejriwal attacked in Lucknow, appeal all to stay calm. We are ready to face anything for #Janlokpal ." Members of India Against Corruption in Lucknow said that Mr Kejriwal has "forgiven" his attacker and has requested that he be released.

Condemning the attack on Mr Kejriwal, Anna Hazare said, "If my health permits I will also go with my team to Lucknow. We are ready to face bullets in our fight against corruption."