14 convicted, 6 acquitted in Kandhamal riot cases

PHULBANI (ORISSA): Fourteen persons were today sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment by a local here today for their involvement in the 2008 communal riots in Orissa's Kandhamal district.

Fast track court Judge C R Das, however, acquitted six others due to lack of evidence.

Disposing of a riot-related case of Sindigaon village of Baliguda area, the court sentenced seven persons to three years RI and fined Rs 4,500 each for setting on fire houses belonging to people of the minority community and rioting.

Disposing of yet another case of house burning at Budamaha village in Raikia area, the judge found all the seven persons guilty of the crime.

Those acquitted had been accused for burning down a house at Sajeli village under G Udaygiri police station.