Kandhamal riot-accused again acquitted and awarded bail

One of the main accused in last year's violence against Christians in Kandhamal has been acquitted in another case and given bail by the Orissa High Court.

Sending shockwaves among the local Christian community, BJP legislator Manoj Pradhan was acquitted due to lack of evidence in a case of arson last year.

"He was let off for want of evidence as there was a lone witness in the case. Only the victim testified in the case and the charges against Pradhan could not be proved," Special Public Prosecutor Bijay Pattnaik said.

With this case, Pradhan has been freed in four of the fourteen charges against him. Last month Pradhan was acquitted of kidnapping and murder after the "charges could not be proved".

Besides the acquittal, Pradhan has also acquired a bail to secure his release from jail. The Orissa High Court awarded the bail despite the accused having several cases pending against him.

This is the second time the court has awarded bail to Pradhan. The last time he was given a bail, Pradhan took oath as a member of the Orissa Assembly. Apparently, he had contested for the election from jail and won the assembly polls from G. Udaygiri seat.