More convicts let off in Orissa riot cases

As reckoned, more convicts are being let off in several cases pertaining last year's anti-Christian riots in Kandhamal.

On Christmas Eve, a fast track court freed 26 accused for want of evidence while only convicting three in two separate cases.

According to public prosecutor, PK Patra, ten were let off in an arson case that occurred in Panela village on August 27, 2008. Only one was convicted in the case and handed five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2,000.

In another case, about 16 people were let off. The convicts had allegedly torched the house of Philip Behera of Sandakumpa village.

However, in a different case the court had convicted two people for torching the house of a villager. The two accused were handed five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2,000.

Prior to this, on Wednesday, Dec. 23, the court sentenced six people to three years imprisonment. Each of them was awarded three-year jail term for arson.

Christian activist John Dayal had earlier this month raised concerns on the lack of justice for victims in riot-hit Kandhamal.

"It has been impossible for victims to be heard. Police investigations have failed miserably, and the courts are taking no steps to protect witnesses or ensure their safety," he said.

He added: "Complainants and witnesses to violence feel very insecure and are susceptible to coercion, blackmail and perhaps allurement. Not much progress has been made in getting convictions especially in the murder cases involving BJP political leaders."