Maoist Azad on fast for release

Maoist Dunna Keshava Rao alias Azad launched an indefinite fast on the Special Jail premises here on Saturday, demanding his release from the prison.

 Rao, who had been held by Crime Branch last year after he surrendered before Andhra Pradesh Police, has been charged with murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.  A dreaded military leader of the CPI (Maoist), Rao has sought his release on bail since he said he had voluntarily come with Odisha Police, but was shown as arrested later. He has demanded that new charges, reportedly pressed against him by State Police, be withdrawn.

 Rao, who recently received the cash compensation from Andhra Pradesh Government for his surrender, has also sought a similar compensation from Odisha Police.