Maoist leader, associates break three-week-long fast

Maoist leader D Kesav Rao alias Azad and two of his associates broke their three-week-long fast at SCB medical college and hospital (SCBMCH) here today by resuming oral feeding.
"Since the patients were given adequate glucose fluid and there were no features of any more marked malnutrition or starvation, they will be discharged from the Hospital soon as they have resumed oral feeding," said Prof CBK Mohanty, who was treating Azad and his associates in the hospital.
They broke their fast after ADG (Prisons) Arun Kumar Ray met them at the hospital during the day and assured them that their grievances have been forwarded to DGP, Director Prosecution and to the Home department.

Azad was arrested five years ago by Odisha police in connection with at least 12 criminal cases and was lodged in Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar. He had resorted to indefinite fast on four occasions, including the recent one since March 30 demanding speedy trial, regular production in courts and status of a political prisoner.
When his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar on April 9 and the following day, he was referred to SCB Medical College. In the meantime the State Human Rights Commission had directed Odisha government to take measures so that the prisoners end their fast.

Ray had then met Azad and his associates in the first week of April. He met them at the hospital again today and his assurance led to the Maoists withdrawing their fast.