11 'Maoist' undertrials on fast demanding speedy trials

BERHAMPUR: Seeking speedy trial of their cases, 11 undertrials, including three women inmates, today held a fast at special sub jail, Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district.

All the 11, jailed in Maoist-related cases, demanded that they be granted bail. They had earlier pleaded to the local court that their cases be taken up early.

The inmates were identified as Bikram Mallick, Abela Gamango, Kandra Dalabehera, Siladitya Singh of Kandhamal district, Kadam Bajali and Telem Soni of Chhatisgarh, Malati Majhi and K Anita of Gajapti district and Nirakara Nayak, Dhoba Digal and Sudarshan Mandal in Ganjam district.

All of them were implicated in different Maoist cases and incarcerated from four to two years, jail officials said.

"We think the matter will be resolved on Thursday when they will be convinced," Superintendent of the Special Sub Jail U K Mohapatra said.

Most of these undertrials were shifted from Berhampur Circle Jail.