The Paralakhemundi Additional District Judge (ADJ) has acquitted eight suspected Maoists, who were in jail since last seven years, observing that the prosecution has failed to prove its cases.
The acquitted persons, Surya Gamanga, Rama Gamanga, Alok Majhi, Bairagi Sabar, Jakaba Raita, Jayanti Majhi, Eso Mandal and Gajinga Majhi, had been arrested on October 17, 2006 from the Nuasahi church in Anuguru village for their alleged involvement in various Maoist activities. Anuguru village is in Nauagada block of Gajapati district.
lawyers Upendra Nayak and Swarup Pal were the counsels of the eight persons.Following the court verdict, these prisoners were released from the Parlakhemundi sub-jail late on Tuesday night and reached their village Anuguru on Wednesday.