Nun rape case: TIP can be conducted anywhere, says Patnaik

Bhubaneswar, Oct 25 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said his government was ready to conduct anywhere in the country the Test Identification Parade of those arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a nun in strife-torn Kandhmal.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Patnaik said senior Crime Branch officers were investigating the ''savage'' incident and nine people had so far been arrested in connection with the crime.

Home Secretary T K Mishra said the state Director General of Police and the IG crime were asked to expedite the inquiry in the rape case and initiate steps to identify the accused.

He appealed to the victim to cooperate in the investigation process and identify the accused and promised to provide security to her.

The nun in an FIR in Baliguda Police station had alleged that she was humiliated by a mob and raped by one person on August 25 at K Nuagaon village two days after the murder of Swami Laxamanananda Sarswati and four of his disciples.

The Home Secretary said the state government would abide by the directives of the Supreme Court and implement the same in letter and spirit.

He said as per the directives of the apex court the government had directed the Kandhamal District Collector to make a realistic assessment of religious institutions, including the churches, damaged during the communal riots.

Mr Mishra said the government would extend assistance to the religious institutions after receiving the report from the Collector.

The Supreme Court while adjudicating a case. filed by Archbishop of Cuttack, Rafael Cheenath had directed the government to generously consider to extend assistance to the churches, damaged during the riots.

The District Magistrate, the Home Secretary said, was asked to include NGOs working in the district in the relief and rehabilitation work in the trouble-torn district.

The Home Secretary said the government would set up a fast track court in consultation with the High Court and appoint Special Prosecutors for the speedy disposal of riot-related cases.

The Union Government had already been requested to allow the 53 companies of CRPF to remain in the affected district till December.

Mr Mishra said over 600 peace committee had been formed to maintain peace and harmony among the people, adding that more such committees would be formed.

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