Kandhamal riots could have been avoided

This statement was given by the former state revenue minister when he deposed before Justice Sarat Mohapatra panel probing the Kandhamal riots.

State Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro has refuted all the allegations made by Senior BJP leader Manmohan Samal against CM Naveen Patnaik. “CM had taken the issue of illegal tribal land transfer and issue of fake caste certificates very seriously not only in Kandhamal but also in other districts. He had also directed to take necessary steps to resolve the issues.

Senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan is likely to depose before Mohapatra commission today.