Bhubaneshwar Oct 31 : Orissa government today suspended five policemen in the nun rape case in Kandhamal district.

Talking to reporters Home Secretary T K Mishra said that five policemen have been placed under suspension for misconduct and negligence of duty in connection with the nun rape case.

The action was taken on the basis of a joint report filed by Kandhamal district collector Krishna Kumar and Superintendent of Police Prabin Kumar.

According to official sources, the policemen who were suspended are assistant sub-inspector Rasananda Mallick, Havildar major K N Mohapatra and Havildars S K Hamim, J S Khan and B K Mohanty, official sources said.

With the action taken against the five, a total of six policemen having been suspended so far in the incident.

Earlier, Baliguda police station officer in-charge K N Rao was suspended for failing to take steps after the nun lodged an FIR on August 26.

The region has been witnessing communal violence since August 23, when Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four of his aides were shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his Jalespata Ashram.

Following the VHP leaders death, Christians and their places of worship in Kandhamal, some 200 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, have experienced mob attacks. (ANI)