Monday, December 20 2004 17:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Siliguri (WB): A convict, awarded capital punishment by a court for killing a child in Cooch Behar district, has launched a hunger strike for 'immediate implementation' of the order.

Sagar Ali alias Selim, on fast since December 16 demanding the death sentence be 'immediately implemented', was now being fed artificially in Jalpaiguri Sadar Hospital as his condition turned serious, District Medical Officer, Dr Subhrangshu Chakraborty said today (Dec 20, 2004).

The Central Correctional Home Authority, Jalpaiguri, where Sagar was lodged, already apprised State Minister of Prison Biswanath Chowdhury and the District Magistrate about the development.

Earlier, Sagar in a letter to the Registrar of Calcutta High Court said that he did not authorise anybody to file any appeal on his behalf either to review the judgement or file any mercy petition.

On October 12 the District and Sessions Judge, Coochbehar, Prabir Kumar Sarkar convicted Sagar of killing his landlord's 11-year old son.

The boy was taken out by Sagar on the pretext of visiting the historic Cooch Behar Palace on May 11, 2003. He was subsequently taken to Gosaigaon in neighbouring Assam and killed.

Three others were awarded life imprisonment in the case. One accused was, however, acquitted.