‘Suspicion cannot substitute proof’: Maoist leader acquitted in VHP leader case

On Tuesday, a Special Court in Odisha acquitted Maoist leader D Kesaba Rao, also known as Azad, of charges related to the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples in August 2008. The court ruled based on a lack of evidence, stating that "suspicion cannot substitute proof." Five individuals were murdered in the incident, which triggered communal violence in Kandhamal that resulted in 38 deaths and left over 25,000 homeless.

Police alleged that Azad was the main conspirator and left behind a letter signed "Azad," claiming the Maoists executed the killing. However, the court found insufficient forensic, ballistic, or eyewitness evidence to link Azad to the murders or the conspiracy. The court emphasized that mere suspicion or the involvement of Azad as a possible participant is not enough for a conviction, and that the prosecution must provide reliable evidence to establish his identity and participation.