Mangalore: Absolved of Naxalism charges, Horale Saroja walks out of jail

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 25: Four years after she was arrested for carrying out suspected Naxal activities, Horale Saroja walked out of jail here on Wednesday September 25, after she was absolved of charges in 22 cases that were slapped against her in Udupi, Kundapur and Karkala.

It may be recalled that Saroja (29) from Horale in Megur gram panchayat in Koppa taluk of Chikmagalur district, and Devendra (37) from Sorab in Shimoga district, were arrested by the Shimoga district police in 2009 and lodged in Mysore jail. They had been handed over to Udupi district police in February 2010 for their alleged offences committed within the limits of Amasebail and Shankarnarayana police stations. Later, Saroja was shifted to Mangalore sub-jail.

Saroja had been charged for offences under various sections including treason, violation of Arms Act, and destruction of public property. Out of the 22 cases against her and Devendra, 10 were in Kundapur court and the rest in Udupi and Karkala courts. Among the 10 cases in Kundapur court, the last one was dismissed on March 22 this year.

Addressing media persons after her release from jail, a relieved Saroja said that police had filed a false case against her accusing her of having connections with Naxals. She further said that at the time, her focus was on fighting for justice for people affected by some of the projects in the state.

Saroja said that she forced by the police to admit that she was carrying out Naxal activities, and when she refused to oblige, they slapped cases against her in several police stations.

"I am happy that all the allegations against me have been proved false. I shall continue to fight against injustice and hope that no innocent person is victimized like me," she said.