Top Maoist Azad Ends 21-day Fast

BHUBANESWAR: Dreaded Maoist Dunna Keshav Rao alias Azad ended his 21-day hunger strike on Wednesday in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after a round of discussion with senior police officials and representatives of the district administration.

Additional DG, Prisons Arun Ray said the doubts and issues raised by Azad and his co-inmates at Jharpada Special Jail have been clarified. Azad and his counsel were convinced that the concerns they raised relate to court production. It has nothing to do with the Prisons Department.

“We had already communicated their petition to Police DG. In future, the Department will liaison with district police to provide escort to the prisoners on the dates fixed by the court for trial,” Ray said. Besides, the district police would be apprised about the trial dates well in advance so that they do not face problem in arranging escort, he added.

Azad’s associates Kamalakanta Sethi and Asutosh Soren also ended their fast. Azad and six of his fellow inmates had been hospitalised on April 6 after their condition deteriorated. Later, Azad and a few others were shifted to SCBMCH in Cuttack.

Azad had been lodged in Jharpada Special Jail since 2011 and has staged four hunger strikes including the latest one. His five-point demand included speedy trial, status of a political prisoner and regular court production for trial in cases filed against him.

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