Two convicted, three acquitted in Kandhamal riot case

BHUBANESWAR - A fast track court in Orissa Tuesday sentenced two people to a four year jail term and acquitted three others in the Kandhamal riot case, officials said.

Naga Pradhan and Bhimsen Pradhan of Raikhala village were accused of torching Barik Digal’s house Sep 30, 2008. Three others N. Pradhan, Natabar Panda and Govinda Pradhan have been acquitted in the case.

“Two were convicted and were sentenced to four years in jail. Three others have been acquitted because of lack of evidence,” public prosecutor P.K. Patra told IANS.

The two have also been awarded a fine of Rs.7,500.

Kandhamal district, about 200 km from here, witnessed widespread violence after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram Aug 23, 2008.

More than 25,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes after their houses were attacked by rampaging mobs that held Christians responsible for Saraswati’s killing, although the police blamed the Maoists.