Protesters want overseas cash repatriated

Two Indian anti-corruption campaigners drew thousands of cheering supporters to a protest yesterday to press the government to bring back money stashed overseas.

Yoga celebrity Baba Ramdev, wrapped in his trademark saffron robes, said he and social activist Anna Hazare would hold more protests this summer.

The pair, who separately held several hunger strikes last year, have managed to focus national attention – and ire – against a corruption so entrenched that bribes are routine for most government services.

“All we need is a corruption-free India,” Mr Ramdev told crowds of flag-waving supporters in Delhi park near Parliament, where he and Ms Hazare also held a symbolic fast.

However, what the government can actually do to retrieve money stashed abroad is unclear. There are also no firm figures for how much has been sent overseas by, for example, those seeking to avoid taxes.