Doctors may operate Madhu Koda's fractured hand

Former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, who went on a fast after Monday's assault on him inside jail, today took food on the advice of doctors who might operate his fractured hand.

"After agreeing to drink milk yesterday, he took solid food today," Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences Tulsi Mahto told reporters here.

"There is a possibility of an operation on his injured hand and doctors are deciding the option," he said.

Koda had fractured his right hand below the elbow after allegedly being beaten up in the Birsa Munda Central Jail while protesting against the poor quality of food.

While Koda's FIR at the Sadar police station accused jail authorities and prison guards of beating him up with batons, the authorities maintained that he was roughed up by inmates.

In a counter FIR, two prisoners accused Koda and others of instigating the incident.

Chief Minister Arjun Munda had on Tuesday announced a probe by a retired district judge. Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay has demanded a judicial probe by a sitting high court judge.

Koda had from Tuesday refused food till his demands, including a judicial probe into his assault, was announced.

Senior JMM leader Sudhir Mahto said in Jamshedpur that Koda was a sitting MP and a former chief minister and the government should have ordered a probe immediately.