39 accused in Kandhamal riot acquitted

A local court today acquitted 39 people arrested for their alleged involvement in Kandhamal ethno-communal riot in 2008.

The 39 people were acquitted due to lack of proper evidence against them by fast track court 1 aditional sessions judge S K Dash in connection with two separate cases relatingto the riot.

A total 29 people of Dagapadar village under Tikabali police station were arrested on charges of torching houses belonging to a minority community, rioting and unlawful assembly with deadly weapons on 26th August 2008.

They were all acquitted.

The court also acquitted all 10 people arrested on similar charges by Sarangada police for their alleged involvement in a riot at Kritingia village under the same police station on August 28, 2008 during the riot.