Maoist leader calls off fast, returns to jail

Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, who had been hospitalised after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike, has called off his fast and has returned to the circle jail here.
Panda was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday last as his health deteriorated due to the hunger strike he had launched from July 15.
The Maoist leader called off his hunger strike yesterday following requests by doctors and others.
"I have suspended my hunger strike following the request of several persons in the society and doctors. But I will re-launch it if the government fails to meet my demands," said Panda, who is demanding among other things detailed information about cases registered against him in different police stations, number of cases pending against him and speedy trial.

Since his arrest here on July 18, 2014, the Maoist leader had gone on hunger strike in jail thrice to press his demands. The first was from March 31 to April 4 and again in last week of April, this year. The one withdrawn yesterday was the third one.
"The state government is not paying any heed to my grievances," he alleged.