New Delhi: The Orissa government on Monday told the Supreme Court it would not pay compensation for churches damaged in the state during communal riots or accept a Central Government probe of the violence.
"The suggestion of archbishop (of Cuttack) to sanction a sum of Rs 3 crore to compensate against demolition of churches and destruction of properties during the violence is not acceptable," said the state government.
"That compensation towards religious institutions is not coming (does not come) under the secular policy of Orissa government," it said in response to a plea filed by the archbishop.
It refused to let the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe the rape of a nun in Kandhamal district, saying that the state police’s Crime Branch has made substantial progress into the investigation. The Crime Branch’s probe is being monitored at the highest level.
"The Crime Branch, which is investigating into the case has made substantial progress. Eight accused persons have been arrested on the basis of available evidence," said the state government in an affidavit filed by its Principal Secretary.
The affidavit insisted there was only a day’s delay in lodging an FIR based on the nun’s complaint. "Though the alleged incident took place on August 25 at about 0100 hrs IST, the FIR was filed by the victim only on August 26 after due consultation with her colleague, Father Chellan, and her advocate Robin Sahu," it said.
"In this context, it is respectfully submitted that there are no grounds or any need for transfer of the investigation of this case to CBI," state government said.
The government rejected allegations that the police knew about the identity of the attackers and referred to the statement of the nun in which she has not named any accused though she stated that she could identify them if they were produced before her.
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