Hindu leader behind Orissa pogrom, back in prison
Bhubaneswar (AsiaNews) - Manoj Kumar Pradhan, a member of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party, a radical Hindu party) responsible for the murder of a Christian leader during the pogrom in Orissa in 2008, returned to prison on March 9. The man, convicted June 27, 2010, to seven years imprisonment and released on bail less than a month later, was forced to hand himself in after the Indian Supreme Court overturned the Orissa High Court decision for his release. Christian leaders said they were "elated" when they heard the news.
"We are delighted that Pradhan is back in prison," said Father Dibakar Parichha, a lawyer and coordinator of the legal battle for justice for the victims of the anti-Christian riots. "The work - continues the priest - to see justice done for the innocent people of Kandhamal goes on. Pradhan's case should serve as a precedent for all those who perpetuate violence and are still free. "
As soon as he was back in jail, Manoj Pradhan said he would appeal for bail. In addition to seven years in prison, the man is sentenced to pay a fine of 6,500 rupees, about 104 euros. Described as the "field commander" of the mob that killed at least 100 Christians, he has been the subject of 12 reports for the pogroms of 2008. In 2009, Pradhan was also sentenced for another murder. Currently he is also on trial for three additional murders.
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