Maoist Azad begins fast in jail against police arrest

BHUBANESWAR: Top Maoist leader Dunna Keshav Rao alias Azad on Saturday started indefinite fast inside the Jharpada jail here demanding release him from jail. His indefinite fast would continue till he gets justice, Azad’s advocate said.

The jail authority informed the Home Department about the indefinite fast of Azad. According to the ADG Jail Shyamsunder Hansda, the case is in the court. On Azad’s matter, what the court and the State Government would take decision that will be final, he added.

“As the demands are coming under the court and police department, the State Government would take appropriate decision at the right time by discussing with the concerned department,” Hansda said.  

It may be noted that the police had brought Azad in remand for 14-day judicial custody.

Police brought him to Jharpada jail in June last year after arresting by Odisha police. Azad was involved in the Nayagarh armory loot and one of the accused in the murder of Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmananand Saraswati in Kandhamal district.