Push for Maoist cases post-Ghasi conviction

KORAPUT: Upbeat over the recent conviction of Maoist leader Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi (47) for possessing arms and attacking police in 2011, Koraput police are contemplating to pursue cases of all important Red leaders till they are prosecuted.
"We hope the conviction of Ghasi will act as a deterrent to those indulging in Maoist violence in the state.All steps will be taken to ensure that ultras, who are facing trial, get convicted," said IG (south-western range) Yashwant Kumar Jethwa.
Police said at present, around 25 wanted extremists are lodged in various jails in Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada districts. Sources said Ghasi is perhaps the first case in last several years where a Maoist leader was found guilty.
"In most of the cases, Maoists are acquitted as witnesses turn hostile in courts for various reasons. But now onwards we will try to motivate our witnesses to stick to their statements in courts and provide them security, if needed," the IG said.
Additional district and sessions judge of Koraput Pradeep Kumar Mohanta on Tuesday sentenced Ghasi to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment. He was the commander of Andhra-Odisha border special zonal committee of the CPI (Maoist) and carrying a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head. Ghasi was arrested by Koraput police near Semiliguda in April 2011.
Police have also planned to review petty cases filed against tribals and locals, who are languishing in several jails as undertrial prisoners (UTPs) since long, after being arrested for their alleged involvement in Maoist activities.
"We have listed at least 60 people, who are in Koraput jail for their alleged link with the outlawed organization. We are lining up legal assistance to speed up the trial process in their cases," said SP (Koraput) Awinash Kumar.