BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan, convicted for 7 year rigorous imprisonment in the Tiangia murder case in Kandhamal 2008 Anti Christian Violence.

The Phulbani Fast track Court convicted Mr. Pradhan the sitting MLA of the G. Udayagiri constitutioncy
GCIC welcomes the conviction of Manoj Pradhan in the Tiangia murder case. However, GCIC will appeal for an enhanced sentence.

Pradhan has been one of the main perpetrators of the communal riots against the minority Christian community in Kandhamal and has been involved in numerous cases of arson and brutality.
Pradhan has been convicted for committing murder during Kandhamal riots. Pradhan's accomplice Praful Malik has also been also convicted in the case.

The 30-year-old BJP MLA has five more cases related to the riots pending against him.

The murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his aides at his ashram on August 23, 2008 had sparked off riots in Kandhamal, about 200 km from Bhubaneswar.

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.