Swami Laxmanananda Murder: 7 Convicted

In another significant judgment in Swami Laxmananda Saraswati murder case, seven of nine accused were convicted by Phulbani ADJ court on Monday. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on October 3.

Hindu Monk Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was gunned down by Maoists with support from Christians and Dalits five years ago that had triggered widespread ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal.

The saint had lived a life dedicated to tribal welfare. He was killed at his Jalespeta ashram on August 23, 2008, in Kandhamal district.