Kidnapped Odisha MLA Fate is Being Decided at Praja Court

The Maoists today produced kidnapped Odisha BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka before a people's court to decide his fate. As already communicated by the Maoists of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), the praja court has started its proceedings at a remote place in the Narayanpatna area of Koraput district, lawyer Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, who fights cases for the rebels, said.

The praja court was held a day after the deadline set by the Maoists for fulfilment of their demands expired at 5 pm on Wednesday and the ultras said in a message that the MLA's fate would be decided through this process. The 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA was produced before the praja court, Patnaik confirmed, saying the proceedings were in progress and many people, mostly tribals, have been called for recording of their statements. The Koraput-based lawyer, however, had no idea as to when the praja court proceedings would be completed and the verdict about the MLA's fate pronounced.

The state government had earlier decided to facilitate release of 25 persons, including eight Maoists and 17 members of the Naxal-backed CMAS for freeing Hikaka. The MLA's wife made a fresh appeal to the Maoists to free Hikaka without harming him. Appeals were also made by the government.