Kandhamal witnesses turn hostile under threats

Several witnesses in last year's Kandhamal violence are turning hostile under threats and intimidation by Hindu extremists.

According to the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), the prosecution of several accused in the 2008 violence that rocked the tribal district of Orissa is hindered as "fear grips several witnesses" who are turning disadvantageous.

The Bangalore-based advocacy group reported that three gun-wielding extremists were throwing threats against people bearing witness to the gruesome violence toward thousands of Christians in the riot-hit Kandhamal last August.

"Sanjeeb Pradhan, Bikram Pradhan and Pratap Pradhan under Sarangarh Police station are going around villages threatening witnesses of dire consequences" if appearing before the prosecution, GCIC reported.

It averred that, "these people with revolver are traveling by motor vehicles and threatening the survivors."

The Christian group narrates of a recent case when the complainant turned hostile. "During the trial the complainant became hostile telling that he does not know anything about the case. His younger brother apparently had been killed during the violence," it recounted.

Although the witness swore to testify against the felon who murdered his younger brother, it was later disclosed to the advocacy group that his life was in danger.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been lodged and reports have been submitted to Sub-divisional Police Officer and District Collector.

The Kandhamal district witnessed widespread communal violence after the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram at Jaleshpata Aug 23.

The Supreme Court in October last year directed the state government to set up fast track courts in Kandhamal district to try the cases filed during the communal violence.

Subsequently, in June, Orissa police filed chargesheets in 437 of the total 827 cases registered and investigation was on in the others.