Chhatradhar acquitted in sedition case

Midnapore: Chhatradhar Mahato, the leader of the tribal movement in Lalgarh, has been acquitted from sedition charges by a fast track court in Jhargram on Thursday. Among total 32 cases against Mahato, the tribal has been granted bail in 30 cases. The Acquitted in one case and trial is going on for another case.
Mahato's legal counsel Koushik Sinha said the tribal leader was charged for sedition in this case.Police claimed that on September 19, in presence of Mahato, members of the banned outfit CPI Maoist had held a meeting at Mahato's Amlia residence of Lalgarh.
Joint forces raided his house, but by then Mahato and the rebels managed to flee. Police claimed in their complaint
that joint forces recovered some Maoist literature from his room. Nearly a week later, Mahato was arrested by the officers of Kolkata Police's special task force. On March 14, 2012, charges of sedition were framed against him and the trial started at Jhargram Fast Track court. OnThursdaym, magistrate ParthaSarathiChakraborty acquitted Mahato as prosecution failed to provide proper evidence against him. His legal counsel Sinha said that another case under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act is pending against Mahato. And until getting bail or acquittal, Mahato will not be released from jail. Mahato is now enjoying the status of a political prisoner.