The Paralakhemundi police have arrested lawyer Upendra Nayak on capacity of a non-bailable warrant issued by the R Udayagri JMFC Court.
A team led by ASI SN Purohit arrested Nayak from his residence at Badagouda Sahi in the city. After arrest, he was forwarded to the JMFC Court at R Udayagiri, according to information.
Meanwhile, the Campaign against Fabricated Cases and the PUCl have approached the Odisha Human Rights Commission against arrest of Nayak. “We are deeply concerned that advocate Upendra Nayak was arrested on charges seditions, waging war against State, unlawful activities prevention charges etc. 65-year-old Nayak is a regular legal practitioner and ventured to defend the defenceless tribes who are languishing in jails in Gajapati district. His arrest violates rights of lawyers. Therefore, we request that the matter be inquired by the own agency of the OHRC and the State Government be directed to take necessary steps for withdrawal of prosecutions against Nayak,” demanded a memorandum sent to the OHRC.
Biswapriya Kanungo of the Campaign Agaisnt Fabricated Cases and Promodini Pradhan of the PUCl undersigned the memorandum, among others.