Main accused in Kandhamal violence granted bail

BJP legislator Manoj Pradhan, one of the main accused in the 2008 Kandhamal violence, was Monday granted bail by the Orissa High Court.

Pradhan who was serving a six-year jail term was granted bail by a single judge bench of Justice (Mrs) Aruna Suresh.

Pradhan was convicted in September for the murder of Bikram Nayak from Budedipada of Tiangia village. He had over 14 cases against him, mostly murder charges.

The legislator was slapped a fine of Rs 15000 on two counts by the court. While allowing the bail application, the High Court directed the legislator to deposit the fine amount in the lower court.

Christians earlier had expressed dismay when Pradhan was granted bail the first time despite being one of the prime accused in the violence.

Pradhan being released on bail is a big threat to the witnesses of cases against him, said Attorney Bibhu Dutta Das of the Orissa High Court.

If Pradhan remains free, Das said, he likely will be acquitted in all other cases as he will be able to threaten witnesses.

According to Das, such acquittals in Orissa were the result of defective investigations carried out by the police.