The Hindu : National : “Speed up probe into nun rape case”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 26, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

“Speed up probe into nun rape case”

Special Correspondent

Orissa Chief Minister issues directive after a review meeting

Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa government on Saturday directed the Director-General of Police and the Inspector-General of the Crime Branch to expedite the investigation into the case of rape of a nun in Kandhamal district on August 25.

The direction was issued after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting to discuss the steps to be taken in view of the recent Supreme Court order rejecting a CBI probe into the case.

The investigation into the nun rape case was being expedited, the Chief Minister said after the meeting. Nine persons had already been arrested in the case, he added.

Identification parade

As regards the test identification parade of the accused in the rape of Sister Meena Lalita Barwa, Mr. Patnaik said they could be paraded for identification anywhere in the country. However, it could be conducted only if the victim cooperated with the Crime Branch.

Sister Meena had on Friday told journalists in New Delhi that she wanted a CBI probe.

The government also decided to involve non-governmental organisations with a good track record in the relief and rehabilitation work in riot-hit Kandhamal.

No NGO had been allowed to do any relief work in Kandhamal after communal violence broke out in the aftermath of the killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati on August 23.

The government directed the Kandhamal district administration to complete within 15 days an assessment of the damage caused to churches during the violence. Assistance for rebuilding the churches would be paid as per the apex court after receipt of the report.

Fast track court

It was also decided that a fast track court would be set up in consultation with the High Court to deal with the Kandhamal riot cases. A Special Prosecutor would be appointed for the fast track court.

The government has also written to the Centre to retain 53 companies of the CRPF till December-end as per the Supreme Court direction.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National