Bhubaneshwar, Thursday 28 August 2008: The police have arrested 123 people across Kandhamal in Orissa for rioting and arson.

Four suspects have also been held for questioning about Swami Lakshmanand Saraswati’s murder. Meanwhile, there were sporadic incidents of violence reported through Wednesday night.

According to official figures, 12 people have died in the communal violence so far though reports say the actual figure could be as high as 20.

More than 2000 security personnel are already deployed across the district. Shoot-at-sight orders have been issued, and eight towns are under indefinite curfew. Raikia is one of the worst affected towns.