Govt: 1004 cases registered, 1218 arrested for Kandhamal violence

It is a staggering figure the Orissa state government has divulged on the number of cases registered and people arrested for last year's violence on Christians.

In its report to the Assembly, the home department conceded that 1004 cases were registered and 1218 persons arrested in connection with the violence that followed the murder of a Hindu leader.

On the nun rape case, the government confirmed that the victim was paraded naked after being raped by Hindu extremists. The rape occurred at K Nuagaon village, last year.

Further, the report disclosed that riots took place in Baragarh, Gajapati and neighboring districts and was subsequently brought under control by the state government.

"Law and order was restored by the timely intervention and strong steps taken by the government," the report said.

It also mentioned that the patrolling of central forces and Orissa police personnel continued in riot prone areas.

Incidentally, in a very similar revelation, the Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik last year said an estimated 10,000 people were named in 746 cases lodged during August 2008.

He also acknowledged that 252 prayer halls were damaged and 4,215 houses burnt in the mayhem. The confession was made while addressing the Assembly last December.