BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan arrested, guilty in Kandhmal riot case

KANDHMAL - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Manoj Pradhan was arrested from Orissa’s Kandhmal Distrcit on Thursday, after a fast-track court held him guilty in Kandhmal riot case.

The court held him guilty of playing a major role in the murder of a Dalit Christian, Vikram Nayak during an anti-Christian violence in 2008, NDTV report said.

Vikram Nayak was a resident of Tiangia village near Raikia, was murdered on August 25, 2008.

Manoj Pradhan have to face six years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of rupees 15,500.

Pradhan’s counsel said he would now move the High Court for bail.

In June, Pradhan was convicted by the fast-track court and was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment for his role in a mob attack that led to the death of another Dalit Christian.

However, eight days later, he was granted bail by the Orissa High Court. (ANI)