Fifteen convicted in Kandhamal riot case

A fast track court in Phulbani convicted fifteen accused for burning houses of Christians during the Kandhamal riots in 2008.

Judge CR Das sentenced the accused for three years rigorous imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs 4,500 each.

The incident had taken place on September 26, 2008 in Sartikia village under Baliguda police station, three days after the murder of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati.

The accused will have to undergo seven months of additional imprisonment if they fail to pay the fine of Rs 4,500.

The same court, meanwhile, acquitted four others who were charged in a case of rape.

In another case, a fast track court acquitted ten people due to lack of evidence.

There was yet another acquittal of a murder accused Mathu Nayak who was implicated for the murder of James Nayal of Gudrikia village.