Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda discharged from hospital

Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda was discharged from MKCG Medical College and Hospital here following improvement in his health condition, prison officials said on Tuesday.

Panda had resorted to hunger strike in Berhampur Circle Jail on March 31, protesting against solitary confinement, blocking of his petitions to court and denial of information on cases pending against him.

Sabyasachi, who had been shifted to MKCG on Saturday after his condition deteriorated, was discharged from hospital yesterday. "He took food and medicines in the hospital. We hope he won't refuse food in jail," Jailer R N Roul said.

"He (Panda) has called off his hunger strike for the time being and will resume it if the state government fails to fulfill his demands," Sabyasachi's counsel Deepak Patnaik said.