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Press Trust of India / New Delhi January 02, 2013, 22:15

Members of All India Students’ Association, along with several intellectuals, today staged a silent march here, demanding the release of suspected Maoist activist and victim of custodial torture Soni Sori.

Sori, who has been in the police custody for the last one year, was allegedly subjected to sexual violence at Dantewada police station in Chhattisgarh.

The protesters demanded the immediate release of Sori who is currently lodged in Raipur Central jail.

“She has been repeatedly subjected to the most barbaric and repulsive sexual abuse in police custody – two separate medical reports has shown evidence of stones being shoved into her private parts. And yet, despite repeated protests, no action has been taken till now,” a statement issued by AISA said.

The protesters also demanded punishment for Superintendent of Police Ankit Garg who allegedly ordered the sexual torture of Sori.

The rally was attended by several intellectuals and political leaders including AAP‘s senior leader Prashant Bhushan and social activist Swami Agnivesh.

Accusing Delhi police of violating rules while handling protesters, AISA leader and former JNUSU President Sucheta De said they were repeatedly stopped despite holding a non-violent demonstration.

“Time and again, the protesters had to evade and dodge the police. Women activists, who were silently marching, were stopped and pushed by male police, which is a clear violation of rules”, she said.

Sori was arrested last year after being accused of acting as a courier for taking extortion money for Maoists in Chhattisgarh.