Phulbani (Orissa), Sept 16 (PTI) National Commission for Minorities (NCM) vice-chairman H T Sangliana today asked Kandhamal district administration to appeal to higher courts in certain riot related cases to ensure that no culprit went scot free due to lack of evidence against them. Sangliana, who undertook a two-day visit to the riot ravaged villages and met the people, said the NCM felt that some culprits might have been acquitted though 185 people including BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan were convicted in the riot related cases.
He asked the district collector and superintendent of police to ensure safety and security of the witnesses going to record their statements in the fast track court after the NCM was informed by some people that they were afraid of going to court as witnesses.
Asking the people to support the rehabilitation of the riot victims, Sangliana said he had received complaints from affected people that they are threatened by antisocials.
The NCM vice-chairman also asked the district authorities to hold a monthly meeting of the affected people and minority leaders in order to sort out their problems.
He said the Commission will recommend to the government to take steps for creating more employment opportunities, provide homestead plots for affected families and impart training for their economic rehabilitation.
A total of 5485 accused persons have so far been chargesheeted in connection with 828 riot related cases while 916 were arrested. While 185 persons were convicted in 84 cases, 816 were acquitted by two fast track courts hearing riot related cases