At least eleven under-trial prisoners (UTPs) on Wednesday resorted to fast-unto-death stir at the Bhanjanagar Sub-Jail demanding early prosecution in their cases. The UTPs, identified as Bikram Mallick, Abel Gamango, Kandra Dalbehera, Nirakar Nayak, Siladitya Singh, Kadam Bijali, Telem Soni, Malati Majhi, K Anita Majhi, Dhoba Digal and Sudarshan, have been lodged in the jail for last two to three years for their alleged involvement in Maoists activities.
The Campaign against Fabricated Cases, Odisha alleged that while Sangram Mohanty who was arrested on same charges was given bail and subsequently released from jail, the eleven persons have been languishing in jail in the pretext of unavailability of witnesses and other reasons. The eleven UTPs have already informed the Bhanjanagar Additional District Sessions Judge about their stir in writing. The Campaign Against Fabricated Cases State convenor Narendra Mohanty and advisor Biswapriya Kanungo supported the move of the UTPs and demanded the early bail to them.