Maoists out in support of Telugu poet Varavara Rao

Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, July 21

The Telangana State Committee of the CPI (Maoist) has called upon the people of Telangana to observe a complete bandh on July 25 to press for the immediate release of poet Varavara Rao and others who are in jail and withdrawal of the GreyHounds personnel from forest areas.

In a statement, committee spokesperson Jagan urged the people to demand for the release of Rao and others jailed for the alleged involvement in Bheema Koregaon incidents, the release of all political prisoners and prisoners aged above 60.

The Telangana Police have stepped up security in view of the bandh call. Rao was arrested in 2018 by the Maharashtra Police from his house in Hyderabad. He was lodged in the Mumbai jail, where he developed health issues and was later shifted to the city’s JJ Hospital. He had been hallucinating and was referred to a neurologist.

Last week, Rao tested positive for Covid-19 and has been reporting failing health. His daughter Pavana alleged that the government was not keeping the family informed about his health. Following media reports of the poet’s ill health, Maoists have sought his immediate release.