OHRC asks ADG to restrain Maoists from fasting in jails

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Saturday asked the Additional Director General (ADG) to take immediate steps to restrain 12 Maoists from fasting inside Jharpada Circle Jail in Bhubaneswar and Bhanjanagar Sub Jail.

The Commission also directed the Principal Secretary, Home and the Director General of Police (DGP) to ask government witnesses and Investigating Officers (IOs) to appear in the court on the specified dates.

It also asked both the officials to submit an action taken report (ATR) in this regard within two weeks.

The Commission issued the directive after taking note of their demands.

The Maoists have alleged inordinate delay in their trial, which had not begun even five years after their arrest for their alleged involvement in violent activities. They termed it a violation of fundamental rights.

Their other demands include filing of case and subsequent appearance in court within 3-6 months of a person’s arrest, refraining from re-arrest when acquitted by a court or out on bail, to be produced in court on the scheduled date and granting them political prisoner status.