Sabyasachi sent to jail custody

BERHAMPUR: The SDJM court here on Monday remanded Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda in judicial custody at the end of his 10-day police remand. He was sent to police custody on July 19.
The Crime Branch (CB) is now waiting to interrogate him. On July 24, the Nayagarh SDJM had allowed CB to take Sabyasachi on remand after police interrogation. The investigating agency had sought his remand in connection with the attack on the armoury at Nayagarh in February 2008 and the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008.
Sabyasachi, however, told the court that there was no need for further interrogation by any investigating agency after his 10-day police remand. "If need be, they can interrogate me through video conferencing while being lodged in jail. There is a threat to my life in police custody," he said. The Maoist leader was produced in the court amid tight security
Sabyasachi said the investigating agency, which wishes to take him on remand, should file an affidavit in the court, guaranteeing his safety. The Maoist leader said he was questioned by police officers from different parts of the state and some from other states during those 10 days.
He also submitted a petition and appealed to the court to record it.
Though Sabyasachi's counsel was present in the court, he did not take part in the hearing as lawyers have launched an agitation demanding HC bench in Berhampur. His wife Subhashree was present.
Allaying his fear, Judge P K Behera said since he was in the custody of the judiciary, the court will take care of him. "The investigating agencies should be allowed to do their work," he said.