BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan gets 7 yrs imprisonment

Bhubaneshwar, Jun 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Manoj Pradhan from G Udaygiri constituency in Orissa, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment on Jun 29.

A fast track court had handed down the imprisonment for committing murder during riots in Kandhamal in 2008.

Kandhamal district witnessed widespread violence after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his followers at his ashram Aug 23, 2008, sparked off riots in Kandhamal, about 200 km from Bhubaneswar.

After the murder of Laxmanananda Saraswati, more than 25,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes after their houses were attacked by rampaging mobs.

The mob held Christians responsible for Saraswati's killing. Although police suspected the Maoists.

Pradhan has been convicted for committing murder during Kandhamal riots. Pradhan's accomplice Praful Malik has also been also convicted in the case.

The 30-year-old BJP MLA has five more cases related to the riots pending against him.

OneIndia News