Question : IMPRISONED NAXALITES

(a) the number of naxalites arrested and cases filed against them, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has advised the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected States to set up special courts and Special prosecutors to try offences relating to the naxals;

(c) if so, whether the said States have set up such courts and appointed prosecutors for speedy disposal of naxal cases as the naxalites resorts to kidnapping of public representatives and Government officials to secure release of arrested cadres;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and

(e) if not, the measures taken by the Government to expedite the trials of naxalites languishing in various jails of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH)

(a): The details of cases against the Maoists/ Naxals are maintained by the State Governments concerned since Police and Public order are state subjects. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs maintains the details of total number of naxals arrested in various States. During the last 3 years and the current year (upto 31st January), a total number of 5435 naxals have been arrested and cases filed against them by the State Governments concerned.

(b) to (e): At present, there are Special Courts only for those cases investigated by the National Investigating Agency (NIA), who have been assigned some cases of Maoist offences by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

However, in order to ensure speedy trial of cases, the Government has advised the LWE affected States to set up Special Courts and Special Prosecutors to try Naxal offenses.