Bhopal, Aug 16 (IANS): Social activists, students from schools and colleges, women and non-resident Indians (NRI) in Madhya Pradesh came out on roads Tuesday morning after activist Anna Hazare was arrested before his fast for a strong anti-corruption bill.

"Whoever gathered here has either come from huts or from bungalows and it will continue to go on from here," Satpati, a doctor, told IANS.

Hazare and his key aides were arrested in New Delhi while readying to launch a hunger strike to press for a strong Lokpal bill.

Social activist Hardaniya Ji said: "It will cost heavily to the government if peaceful protests will be treated like this."

"I always supported Anna's cause and recently I came to Bhopal. Today, when I came to know that he has been arrested, I joined here to protest it," said an NRI, who lives in the US.

At some places here students tried to block roads.

Foreigners in Khajuraho also responded to the call of India Against Corruption, that has been backing Hazare.

"I was following Anna Hazare and read about him too. His cause is much needed in India, so I am with him," said a foreign national, Cheena.

People came out of their homes in Ujjain.

A large number of people gathered at Krishipura and Regal Square area in Indore to protest Hazare's arrest.

Gwalior also saw a large number of protesters take to the streets.