Fresh violence in Kandhamal, 1 dead

Hundreds of tribals armed with axe and other sharp weapons raided Rudangia, Telingia and Gadaguda villages in G Udaygiri block of the riot-scarred district, despite a strong presence of Orissa Police and central paramilitary forces in the area. The villagers and the tribals fought a pitched battle resulting in injuries to members of both groups.

Unconfirmed reports said a teenaged girl was also killed in the clash. About 100 houses, mostly belonging to Dalit Christian families, were torched and a church was vandalised at Rudangia. Some of the critically injured have been shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

Additional forces, including CRPF and Rapid Action Force RAF personnel, were rushed to the spot. Inspector General of Police law and order Pradip Kapoor said the police had to fire in the air to disperse the mob. 8220;No one has been injured in police firing,8221; he said.

The police arrested six persons, including three local RSS leaders, on charges of inciting Tuesday8217;s attack. Kandhamal SP Praveen Kumar refused to confirm the identity of the arrested and said anyone breaking the law would be dealt with severely.

However, BJP sources said the arrested RSS leaders 8212;also businessmen 8212; are Laxman Acharya, Nati Panda and Naga Prusty, besides, an advocate, a bank official and the local president of Kui Samaj were also arrested.

Following the arrests, the trading community called for a bandh protesting police highhandedness. 8220;The business community gave food to the Christians when they lost their homes in the riot and now police are arresting us without any evidence. This would only escalate the violence in the area,8221; said trader Anil Pattnaik.

Night curfew has been imposed in the area. Police sources said from Wednesday over 40 people would be taken under preventive detention under the National Security Act.