Centre wants CBI Probe into Kandhamal Violence

The Central government said it wanted a CBI probe into the recent communal clashes in Orissa, which claimed more than 13 lives and left thousands homeless. The Indian government has been under pressure from Western countries, as thousands of Christians and missionary establishments were targeted in Orissa aftermath the killing of octogenarian VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

The Central government has categorically said that it would not allow secularism to be undermined under any circumstances. The decision to request Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik to agree for a CBI probe was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.