Kandhamal nun rape case: 1 acquitted

Trial is continuing for the two other two accused persons. Another was still absconding.

Tribals from Kandhamal staging a dharna at Jantar Mantar to condemn attacks on religious minorities. File photo: V.V. Krishnan

An accused in the sensational nun rape case in Odisha’s Kandhamal district during the 2008 violence has been acquitted by a court.

Ganjam District and Sessions Judge M.S. Dhal on Tuesday acquitted Ananga Pradhan of Ranjubadi village in the nun rape case due to lack of sufficient evidence.

“We will move the high court against the verdict of the lower court,” special public prosecutor Rajendra Sahu said. While four persons were implicated in the gang rape case which took place at Gandanaju under Takabali police station on September 19, 2008, judgement was pronounced on one of the accused persons.

Trial is continuing for the two other two accused persons. Another accused was still absconding. 38 people were killed in Kandhamal violence which occurred in the sensitive tribal-dominated district after the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati at his Jalespata Ashram on August 23, 2008.