Jailed Maoist leader on 4th hunger strike since arrest, shifted to hospital

Berhampur: Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, who was on a fast for the past three days in the circle jail here, was admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital as his health condition deteriorated, a jail official said on Sunday.

"As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to the medical college and hospital as per the advice of the doctor on Saturday," Raghunath Majhi, Senior Superintendent of the jail said.

"As he was on fast, we apprehended that he might have suffered from dehydration. His blood pressure has also fallen," said an attending doctor of the hospital.

The 47-year-old founder leader of Odisha Maobadi Party (OMP) had resorted to an indefinite hunger strike from December 3 demanding speedy trial of cases pending against him and his regular production in court during hearing.

He also protested against his solitary confinement in the jail. The rebel leader alleged that he was not produced in courts deliberately even when courts fixed dates.

It was for the fourth time since his arrest on July 18, 2014 that the Maoist leader launched hunger strike inside the jail. Every time he pressed for almost the same demands.