Special Correspondent
Sister Nirmala to meet Naveen Patnaik today
Violence abating in Kandhamal: DGP
BHUBANESWAR: A three-member Orissa police team led by B. Radhika, Inspector-General (Training), on Monday left for New Delhi to bring to the State the nun who was raped at K. Nuagaon village in Kandhamal district on August 25.
“We want the nun to be in Orissa to help us in the investigation and the judicial proceedings pertaining to the case,” Director-General of Police Manmohan Praharaj told The Hindu. She would be provided adequate security wherever she lived in the State, he said.
The nun, along with a priest, was beaten up by a mob of about 40 men, one of whom later raped her. The incident took place even as violence was spreading in Kandhamal after the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Lakshmanananda.
Meanwhile, Sister Nirmala, Superior-General of the Missionaries of Charity, has reached the city. She is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday.
900 cases booked
Mr. Praharaj said more than 900 cases were registered in connection with the communal violence in Kandhamal district and at least 465 people arrested. More arrests were likely in connection with the riots.
The cases registered in different police stations in the strife-torn district pertained to killings, rape, rioting and burning down of houses, churches and other prayer houses.
Mr. Praharaj said that in each police station a police official would accept complaints from the affected people.
Besides, cases were being registered on complaints received by post.
Although violence spread to the neighbouring Kalahandi district on Monday, the DGP claimed, the number of violent incidents had come down in Kandhamal during the past few days due to strengthening of security in interior areas. Patrolling had been intensified in sensitive areas to prevent blocking of roads by those indulging in violence.
