BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR: Her husband still wielding the gun, Subhashree Panda now aims to chart a different course. Immediately after release on Tuesday, Subhashree alias Milli, wife of top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, reposed faith in the democratic system and gave clear indications of floating a political party.
But the road to participatory politics is not that smooth. A non-bailable warrant involving her role in the Nayagarh police station attack case still pending, Milli fears she might be put behind the bars yet again.
On Tuesday, Gunupur Additional District Judge B Pratap Chandra Patnaik, who had earlier reserved the verdict, acquitted Subhashree for lack of evidence. Subhashree was arrested and sent to jail in 2010. She was accused of involvement in an encounter between the Maoists and the security forces in Kutinguda forest of Gudari area in 2003.
Subhashree’s name was in the list of seven prisoners demanded by the Maoist leader to be set free for the release of Italian national Paolo Bosusco.
Her father Dhanurdhar Das, mother Jyotsnarani and their nephew waited near the jail to receive her. Immediately after her release, they offered prayers in a nearby temple. “I am a free bird,” a somewhat relieved Subhashree told waiting mediapersons. But the fear of re-arrest weighs heavy. “I was held illegally for the last two years. I was arrested by police even after getting the release order from the High Court”, she said.
On her future programme, Subhashree said she may join politics, but not the existing political parties. She may float a new outfit. On the Italian citizen held captive by Sabyasachi Panda, Subhashree hoped he would be released soon.
Subhashree, who had been first arrested in a case relating to Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January, 2010, was cleared of the charges by the High Court in September 2011. However, she was again arrested in connection with the Kutinguda encounter case.
Claiming that her release from jail had nothing to do with the ongoing abduction episode created by her husband, Subhashree criticised the Government’s ‘plan’ to arrest her again while announcing to facilitate her release.
“The court acquitted me as there is no evidence against me.” Lauding her Maoist husband, she said, “he (Panda) has been working for masses and I am sure he will be successful in his efforts. However, Maoists should shun violence.” She avoided questions on contacting her husband. When asked about any message for him, she said, “Sabyasachi, I love you”.