Maoist Azad launches indefinite hunger strike demanding acceleration of his trials

Jailed Maoist Dunna Kesava Rao, also known as Azad, has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Jharpada special jail in Bhubaneswar. He is protesting the slow pace of his trials, despite previous Supreme Court directives for expedited proceedings. Rao, who surrendered in 2011, faces charges in 43 cases but has not been convicted in any.