Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda and former Maoist mediator during abductions Dandapani Mohanty, who are on hunger strike, were shifted from Berhampur circle jail to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the city.
According to Senior Superintendent of Berhampur circle jail, Raghunath Majhi, both had to be shifted to the Medical College Hospital as their condition deteriorated because of fasting. Sabyasachi had been shifted to the hospital on Sunday, while Dandapani was shifted on Monday. According to the physicians treating both these Maoists, their condition was out of danger.
Armed police force had to be deployed to keep watch on these two persons under treatment in the hospital.
Sabyasachi had started his hunger strike on April 22 to protest against his solitary confinement and alleged curbing of his basic rights. Earlier he had observed hunger strike for five days from March 31 on the same demands. Then also he had been admitted in MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he had ended his fast.
Dandapani had started hunger strike inside the jail on April 24 demanding status of political prisoner. He was arrested in February 2013 for his alleged involvement in Maoist activities.
He had served as mediator for the Maoists during talks with State government for release of abducted Malkangiri collector in 2011 and two Italian tourists in Kandhamal district in 2012.
Armed police force deployed to keep watch on these two under treatment in the hospital
