Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Former Maoist leader Azad alias Dana Keshab Rao was released from Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday after spending more than 15 years in custody as an undertrial prisoner. He was acquitted in all 49 cases pending against him in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Azad had surrendered before the Srikakulam Police in Andhra Pradesh on May 29, 2011. He was later arrested by the Odisha Police and remained in custody for over 15 years as the cases against him continued before courts.

According to his lawyer Swarup Kumar Pal, 49 cases were pending against Azad—36 in Odisha and 12 in Andhra Pradesh, along with one case registered under the POCSO Act in Rayagada. The Odisha cases included matters registered in Gajapati, Kandhamal and Rayagada districts.

Azad was also an accused in the 2008 killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others. He was acquitted in that case as well.

The prolonged pendency of the cases eventually prompted Azad to approach the Supreme Court. On July 21, 2025, the apex court directed the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments to ensure the disposal of all cases against him within one year through special courts.

Following the directive, a special court was established at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district to expedite the proceedings. The cases were subsequently heard and judgments were delivered.

His lawyer said Azad had also undertaken three hunger strikes, lasting 14, 17 and 21 days, during his prolonged incarceration, demanding speedy disposal of the cases.

With his acquittal in the final pending case, Azad was released from Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, bringing an end to his more than 15-year-long period as an undertrial prisoner.