Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda has been acquitted in a case related to the alleged forcible harvesting of paddy from the fields of some residents in Dimiriguda area under Gudari police station in Rayagada district.
The Gunupur Additional District Magistrate court delivered the verdict after considering the testimonies of 22 witnesses.
The case dates back to November 27, 2001, when villagers lodged a complaint alleging that Maoists, led by Sabyasachi Panda, had forcibly harvested paddy from their fields.
However, after a thorough trial, the court found insufficient evidence to convict Panda, leading to his acquittal. Panda’s lawyer, Brahmananda Patnaik, confirmed the verdict. This acquittal marks another significant legal outcome for the Maoist leader.
