Bhubaneswar, July 20: Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda today was subjected to intense interrogation by the police in the presence of his lawyer about his family background and his student days’ activities.

Panda, 48, a postgraduate and son of a CPM leader, was caught by the police in Berhampur on Friday. He has been accused of being involved in 61 criminal cases, including the killing of 25 police personnel and 34 civilians. He had shot into limelight for his involvement in the kidnapping of two Italian tourists, murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal and looting of armouries during his two-decade-long rebellion.

Panda was questioned about his source of income. Officials of the intelligence wing were also present during the interrogation.

During the interrogation, the police wanted to know the details of his family background, his educational qualifications, his college day’s activities and other personal issues. Following the court’s order, the police allowed his lawyer Deepak Patnaik to remain present during the interrogation.

“He has responded to all the questions,” said Patnaik.

A senior police official, who is a part of the probe team, said: “We are trying to establish his links with people in Bhubaneswar and other towns and also his source of income. Our sources have told us that Panda had been frequenting the capital city before he was arrested.” Panda’s wife, who had unsuccessfully contested the last Assembly elections, today met him. After meeting him, she urged the authorities to provide medical assistance to him and also alleged that her husband had been tortured by the police.