Odisha: Maoist leader sentenced to 10 years in jail

A court in Odisha's Koraput district on Tuesday sentenced Maoist leader Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi to 10 years rigorous imprisonment in connection with possession of arms and attack on policemen.

The court of additional district and sessions judge, Koraput, Pradip Kumar Mohanta found Ghasi guilty yesterday and pronounced the quantum of punishment today. The court also slapped a penalty of Rs 35,000.

In the event of failing to pay the fine, the convict would have to undergo another two years rigorous imprisonment.

Ghasi was convicted under section 27 of Arms Act, section 17 of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act and section 20 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, said public prosecutor Sadananda Gouda.

The Maoist leader has been accused in at least ten cases relating to Maoist offensives in the tribal-dominated Koraput district. He was acquitted in a case in January 2013 related to two murders committed in the district in 2010. Ghasi was arrested near Similiguda in April 2011.