Three people were arrested today in connection with the communal violence in Orissa's Kandhamal district following the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Swaraswati in 2008. The police said with the fresh arrests made from Baliguda in the communally sensitive district, the total number of people arrested in connection with the riots has gone upto around 800.

Charges involving arson, house burning, attack on churches and similar offences have been slapped against the three persons, the police said.

Non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued against a large number of people for their alleged role in the prolonged communal violence triggered by the killing of Saraswati in August, 2008.

Trial in the riot cases is being conducted in special fast track courts set up for the purpose.