Maoist attempts suicide in police custody in Orissa

A Maoist in police custody here allegedly tried to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a blade, police said on Tuesday.

The incident happened on Monday when Anadi Juang (32), who was kept in a house in reserve police campus, went out under the pretext of going to toilet, police said.

However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt and was rushed to district headquarters hospital here in a serious condition, they said.

He has been operated upon and is now out of danger, the hospital authority said.

According to police, Juang is a resident of Banitangar village in Keonjhar district. He had been brought here from Daitary area of the district by Special Operation Group, the anti-Naxal wing of the Orissa police.

Cases relating to Maoist activities were pending against Juang at Daitary police station and a warrant had been issued against him, SDPO Keonhar Sadar said.

Investigation is on as to how the extremist got the blade in police custody, police said.