2 weeks ago
Former Maoist Leader Azad Freed After Acquittal in 49 Cases
Azad was accused in 49 criminal cases in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
He stayed in jail for more than 15 years while the courts considered the cases.
A person waiting for trial is called an undertrial prisoner.
Azad surrendered to police in Andhra Pradesh in 2011 and was later arrested by Odisha Police.
His lawyer said he went on three hunger strikes because the cases were taking too long.
In 2025, Azad asked the Supreme Court to help finish the cases quickly.
The court ordered special courts to decide them within one year.
The courts said there was not enough evidence to convict him, so he was acquitted and released.
Azad, also known as Dana Keshab Rao, was released after more than 15 years in custody as an undertrial.
He was acquitted in all 49 cases registered in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The cases included allegations linked to Maoist violence and the 2008 killing of Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others.
The Supreme Court directed Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to conclude the cases within one year through special courts.
A special court in Paralakhemundi delivered the final judgments, citing insufficient evidence for the acquittals.
- Who
- Maoist leader Azad, also known as Dana Keshab Rao, was acquitted and released; his lawyer was Swarup Kumar Pal.
- What
- He was acquitted in all 49 pending cases, including a case involving the 2008 killing of Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others.
- Where
- The cases were registered in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with expedited proceedings conducted at a special court in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district.
- When
- Azad surrendered on May 29, 2011, and was released on Tuesday after spending 15 years, two months and a few days in custody. The Supreme Court intervened on July 21, 2025.
- Why
- The courts found insufficient evidence for conviction after the Supreme Court ordered the long-pending cases to be resolved within one year.
Key facts
- Accused
- Azad alias Dana Keshab Rao
- Total cases
- 49 cases: 36 in Odisha, 12 in Andhra Pradesh and one under the POCSO Act in Rayagada
- Time in custody
- 15 years, two months and a few days
- Surrender date
- May 29, 2011, before Srikakulam police in Andhra Pradesh
- Supreme Court direction
- Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were directed to conclude the cases within one year through special courts
- Special court
- A court was set up at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district
- Final outcome
- Azad was acquitted in every case and released from Jharpada Jail
Quotes
Swarup Kumar Pal
Azad's lawyer
“"During this period, he also went on hunger strikes thrice--once for 14 days, once for 17 days, and once for 21 days. The prosecution here assured him thrice that they would settle the cases quickly, but they did not close the cases."”
republicworld.com
“There were 12 cases in Andhra Pradesh and 36 in Odisha, besides one case under the POCSO Act in Rayagada. He has been acquitted in every case.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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