CBI inquiry demanded into Christian leader''s death

Phulbani (Orissa), Jan 16 (PTI) The Global Council ofIndian Christians (GCIC) today demanded a CBI inquiry intothe death of a local Christian leader in Raikia area ofOrissa''s Kandhamal district.

Sajaan George, President of GCIC, an affiliated body ofthe Economic and Social Forum of United Nations, after a tourof Kandhamal, said in a release that Saul Pradhan of Banjamahavillage had been summoned by two persons in the evening ofJanuary ten.

Pradhan''s body was found in the afternoon of January 11,about two km away from the village, George claimed quotingSaul''s family members including his wife.

The killing of Saul seemed to be an organized crime bya section of people who had threatened him a few months ago,his family members alleged adding his house was also torchedduring the Kandhamal riot in 2008.

However, Inspector In-Charge of Raikia police station,R N Barik ruled out any communal angle in the incident.

He said a case had been registered and investigationwas in progress.

George said the case should be handed over to CBI toensure a fair probe as family members and relatives of thedeceased apprehended tampering of the autopsy report as wellas other evidences.