Suspected Maoist Anil Kumar alias Azad, an under trial prisoner in Sambalpur Circle Jail, launched hunger strike inside the jail on Tuesday demanding speedy trial of his case. Azad alleged that he has not been produced before the Additional District Judge, Padmapur in Bargarh district for the last 11 months.
Sources said four persons including Azad were arrested on July 24, 2011 under Paikmal police limits while they were on their way to Nuapada from Chhattisgarh through Paikmal in a MUV. Azad was reportedly working as the head of Mahasamund-Bargarh Division. Police had also recovered a country made pistol, six rounds of live ammunition, letter addressed to their Commander, two tiffin bombs, two detonators, route map besides food materials from their possession.