Kandhamal district, about 200 km from here, experienced widespread violence after the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram Aug 23.

More than 25,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes after their houses were attacked by rampaging mobs, who held Christians responsible for Saraswati's killing although police blamed the Maoists.

Although no violence has been reported from the region since October last year and many victims are still taking shelter in two government-run relief camps in the district.

The government has set up two fast-track courts to try cases related to the communal violence. A fast-track court had earlier sentenced a 58-year-old man to two years in jail June 30 this year.