BJP legislator acquitted in Kandhamal riots case

KANDHAMAL RIOTS: Eight more cases relating to the riots are pending against Manoj Pradhan.

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Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Manoj Pradhan was on Tuesday acquitted by a fast-track court in a murder case relating to the Kandhamal riots for want of evidence.

"Manoj Pradhan has been acquitted in the case. He has been let off for want of evidence," said special public prosecutor, Bijay Pattnaik.

The legislator from G Udaygiri was accused of killing Trinath Digal on August 25 2008. Cases had been filed against him under various sections of Indian Penal Code.

While Pradhan has already been acquitted in six cases relating to the riots, eight cases are still pending against him.

In another case relating to the Kandhamal riots, one person was convicted by the fast-track court.

N Kahar was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 for torching the Phiringia police station.

Kandhamal district, about 200 km from Bhubaneswar, witnessed widespread violence after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram on August 23 last year.

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

The Government has set up two fast-track courts to try cases related to the communal violence.