Kandhamal: 10,000 people named in 746 cases, says Orissa CM

In a very stunning revelation, Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik on Monday said, an estimated 10,000 people have been named in 746 cases lodged during the August Kandhamal violence.

In addition, 252 prayer halls damaged and 4,215 houses burnt in the mayhem.

Addressing the Assembly, Patnaik said, 598 accused have been put behind bars and police have begun full-fledged investigation on all the cases.

Patnaik assured justice would prevail and Orissa would return to normalcy.

When asked on the details of 2007 anti-Christian violence, the politico confirmed, 800 families were affected and all were given compensation.

According to official reports, he said, 1,453 people have been accused in 127 cases that occurred during the Christmas Eve last year.

As violence continues unabated in the riot-hit Kandhamal, Christians complain, they are being forced to return to villages.

The 20,000 plus victims in state-run relief camps say, they are afraid to return to their villages due to continual threats of "re-conversion" to Hinduism by fanatic Hindus.

Over 110 have been killed in the violence that was triggered by the assassination of a local VHP leader and four of his aides. Maoists have claimed responsibility for the slaying.