Fresh arson broke out in riot-ravaged Kandhamal district on Monday after a lull of three weeks as eight houses of a particular community were set ablaze at villages.

Miscreants set ablaze the houses though the police confirmed only one incident at Sujeli village under G Udaygiri police station area.

Unofficial sources claimed that the houses were burnt at Sujeli (four), Kumingia (one) and Ratingia (three) besides a grocery.

"I have received a report of one house being burnt in G Udaygiri area. The cause of the fire has nothing to do with the communal violence," Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar [ Images ] told PTI over phone.