Maoists' protest: ADG visits Jharapada jail to hold talks

Bhubaneswar: A day after the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) asked the Additional Director General (ADG), Police to take immediate steps to restrain 12 Maoists from fasting inside Jharpada Circle Jail in Bhubaneswar and Bhanjanagar Sub Jail, ADG Arun Ray on Sunday visited Jharapada jail to hold discussions with the Maoists on a hunger strike.

The Commission had 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 had 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 the demands of the Maoists in prison.

On Saturday, top Maoist leader Azad along with seven others, started a hunger strike inside Jharpara jail demanding early trial of his case. Azad has also sent a 5-point charter of demands to the State government.

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.

12 inmates of various jails across the state have lent their support to Azad’s cause.