The murder of VHP leader Swami Laxamanananda Saraswati in 2008 which had triggered violence in Kandhamal in Odisha was a "contractual" killing in which members of the Christian community were falsely framed, claims a new book on the ethno-communal riots.

The book 'Who Killed Swami Laxamanananda?', released here by veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar, also claimed the incidents were "pre-planned".

Its author Anto Akkara, however, did not name anyone as being behind the Swami's murder but insisted those accused of killing the religious leader were "innocent".

Without naming any group or party, Nayar said the country cannot be ruled by "certain religion", but by the Constitution.

The "idea of India" is in danger today, he added.