Rayagada: Acting on a tip-off, the Gunupur police Thursday evening arrested nine persons including the main accused on charges of killing three members of a family over sorcery practice suspicion at Ukambaguda village under Ramanguda block of Gunupur area in Rayagada district.
Rayagada SP Sarvana Vivek M said acting on reliable information, police conducted raids in Gudari and Padmapur areas of the district and arrested the nine accused and forwarded them to court.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the culprits had set the bodies of the trio on fire, around 150 metres away from the village, after killing them in a bid to destroy evidence, said the SP.
February 23 night, Gopala Sabar (45), his wife Laxmi Sabar (40) and 76-year-old Jangili Sabar of Ukkamba village were taken outside to an isolated place near the village by some youths of the village. Later, the three were beaten to death by a group of locals on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
Later, a complaint was lodged with Gunupur police February 25, following which the police had registered a case and begun an investigation.
Based on a complaint filed by Sabita Sabar, daughter of the deceased, a case was registered, following which the arrests were made. During the course of investigation, police found evidences such as the burnt body parts and a bat that was used in the crime.
PNN
