Bhubaneswar: Maoist leader Azad alias D Kesava Rao has been released from Jharpada Jail Tuesday evening after spending around 15 years as undertrial prisoner (UTP) after the Special Court in Paralakhemundi acquitted him of all the charges as he was accused with 48 criminal cases, including a case related to the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008.
Azad had been facing multiple cases registered in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. According to reports, he had surrendered before the Srikakulam police in Andhra Pradesh May 29, 2011. He was subsequently taken into custody by Odisha Police.
His release followed legal proceedings in the cases pending against him. Azad was facing around 48 cases – 36 from Odisha and 12 from Andhra Pradesh. During the course of the proceedings, several cases were disposed of by the court. Following the court’s directions and completion of the necessary legal formalities, he was released from Jharpada Jail.
Azad had been behind bars for more than 15 years while the cases against him were being heard.