Three rape cases surfaced in Kandhmal-Home Secretary

Bhubaneswar, Oct 5 (UNI) Home Secretary Tarun Knati Mishra today said as many as three rape cases have been reported in Orissa's Kandhmal district following the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four four others on August 23 last.

Mr Mishra said the most shocking incident was molestation of of a nun, adding four suspects had been arrested, so far.

He said the nun, who had filed an FIR with the Baliguda police station on August 26, was now staying in a Church in Delhi.

The Additional Resident Commissioner posted in Delhi was asked to call on her and provide whatever help she needed at this hour of crisis, Mr Mishra said adding that if necessary he and the Inspector General of crime branch would talk to her.

Mr Mishra said the nun would be approached to cooperate with the Orissa police in the investigation. The government, Mr Mishra said, had already placed the Baliguda police station officer in-charge under suspension for dereliction of duty. He said an officer has been posted in his place and the SP, Crime Branch, had been entrusted to probe the case under the supervision of the IG, Crime Branch.

Another rape case was reported under Tikabali police station limit in which a Hindu woman was physically assaulted. A case was registered and a person was arrested.

The Home Secretary, clarified that there was no communal dimension in the case.

A third rape case was reported in Phulbani during last four five days and investigation was going on, the Home Secretary said adding that no details are available with him.

On the allegation of a news paper report that one Hindu girl was also raped and burnt to death in Baragarh district during the communal violence, Mr Mishra said eyewitnesses account and the incharge of the Orphanage where the girl was burnt to death, denied that she was raped.

''We have clear evidences that the girl was not raped and 20 people were already arrested in connection with the incident, the Home Secretary said and refused to give details saying that probe was at a critical stage.

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