IPL brought foreign culture, spoiling youths: Hazare

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Social activist Anna Hazare on Monday lashed out at the controversy-ridden Indian Premier League (IPL), saying the new form of cricket has brought foreign culture to the country that was spoiling youths. He also slammed those detained at a rave party in Mumbai.

Mumbai police busted a rave party in Juhu in northwest Mumbai on Sunday night detaining around 100 people, including two IPL players - Rahul Sharma of India and Wayne Parnell of South Africa who play for the Pune Warriors team.

The IPL is a ‘new form of cricket’, which has brought foreign culture here, Hazare said, adding that it will have a bad impact on the youth.

"IPL team owners buy players like they are animals," he said on the sidelines of an event here.

Hitting out at those detained at the rave party, Hazare said they should be punished with life imprisonment if found guilty.

"All those found guilty should be punished with life imprisonment. This (possession and consuming of drugs) is a serious offence and those doing so should bear the consequences," Hazare said.

Hazare is on a five-week statewide tour since May 1, to create awareness on the need for a strong lokayukta legislation in Maharashtra. His tour will end June 6.

A total of 58 men and 38 women were detained and taken to a hospital for blood and urine check-up after a rave party was busted at the Oakwood Premier hotel near Juhu beach. Police also seized around 110 grams of cocaine and other drugs including Ecstasy and charas from the party. The organiser of the party Vishesh Handa has been arrested and remanded in police custody till May 25.