Ban on Togadia's entry in Odisha's Kandhamal

Authorities in Odisha's Kandhamal district Thursday banned the proposed entry of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Pravin Togadia on apprehensions that it might disturb peace in the area.

"He (Togadia) will not be allowed to enter the district. The ban is valid for next seven days," Kandhamal's Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh told IANS.

Togadia is scheduled to address a gathering of VHP supporters at Phulbani, the district headquarters of Kandhamal Saturday. Singh said the organisers have been however given permission to hold the gathering but without Togadia.

It was not immediately known if Togadia will visit the district despite the ban.

At least 38 people were killed and thousands had to flee their homes following widespread communal violence in the region in 2008 after the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

Different Christian groups earlier this week had moved the local and state administration seeking a ban on Togadia's proposed visit, saying his fiery speeches might upset the fragile peace between communities.