Kandhamal situation grim, Archbishop tells SC

The state government in Orissa has failed to control the situation in riot–hit Kandhamal district alleged Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack–Bhubaneshwar on Monday in the Supreme Court.

Appearing for the Archbishop senior advocate Colin Gonsalves told a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan "Situation in Kandhamal is still grim" and violence has spread to neighboring districts. The case will be heard on October 17.

The affidavit filed on behalf of the Archbishop said the Orissa government was not taking adequate steps to arrest the culprits, those who even raped and paraded a nun on August 25, even 39 days after she lodged an FIR.

A CBI enquiry has been demanded of the alleged rape of the nun since the state police have failed to nab the accused despite knowing their identity.

Furthermore, the Archbishop accused the govt. for failing to protect the lives and property of Christians and sought a compensation of Rs three crore for the damages and demolition of churches and property.

At the previous hearing, the Centre had reported that the situation in Kandhamal was "better" and "under control". It said the situation improved after the intervention of the apex court.

When the Archbishop approached the apex court for a CBI inquiry into the violence, the state govt in an affidavit rejected the demand and said the state has already appointed a commission of enquiry headed by retired high court judge, S C Mohapatra.

The commission has been designated to enquire into the circumstances leading to the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and the large scale violence which broke after it.