Orissa government suspended five policemen in the nun rape episode in Kandhamal district after a joint report was filed by the District Collector and Superintendent of Police.

"Five policemen have been placed under suspension for misconduct and negligence of duty in connection with the nun episode," Home Secretary T K Mishra told reporters.

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

Patnaik had on Wednesday a sought a report on policemen deployed at K Nuagaon in the district where the nun was allegedly raped during the Orissa bandh on August 25.

The policemen suspended with immediate effect were an 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 action being taken against these five, now the number of policemen against whom action has been taken in the incident stands at 6. 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 move was aimed at restoring the confidence of the people, particularly in riot-ravaged Kandhamal district, the sources said.