OHRC directs prison authorities to end fast by Maoists

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today directed the Additional Director General, Prisons, to end the ongoing hunger strike of 12 Maoists including Donna Keshav Rao alias Azad.
The 12 Maoists lodged at the Special Jail here at Jharpada and at sub-jail at Bhanjanagar, have launched fast unto death demanding early trial of cases against them.
Though they have spent more than five years in jail, the government is yet to begin trial of their cases.
The OHRC also directed the Principal Secretary, Home, and the Director General of Police to ask government witnesses and investigating officers to appear in the court on the specified dates. The panel also sought action taken report (ATR) in this regard within two weeks.

This was for the third time within five years that Azad launched strike inside jail.
Azad was arrested in connection with the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxamananda Saraswati after which a communal riot broke out in Kandhamal and other places of Odisha. Azad had surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao on May 18, 2011. He was lodged in the Special Jail at Jharpada in the state capital.

"Azad has been booked and waiting for trial in a total 12 cases since 2011. This is the third time he has restored to hunger strike. In the earlier two instances, he was assured of early trial. Last time, the Khurda collector met Azad and gave assurance," said P Kameswar Rao, counsel of Azad.

Meanwhile, Azad's mother who came here from Andhra Pradesh, was not allowed to meet him by jail superintendent.
Azad had carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head at the time of his arrest.