Phulbani: An SOG constable along with his associates reportedly tonsured a police constable and made him drink sewage water over suspected sorcery Monday night. They assaulted him and kept him locked inside a dark house throughout Monday night before he was rescued by the police.
The incident was reported from Bidangi Sahi under Phulbani town police limits in Kandhamal district.
Police registered a case and arrested four persons in this connection while the main accused SOG constable Amarendra Kanhar was on the run.
The victim was identified as Goura Chandra Kanhar. The arrested four were Amarendra’s aides Ratnakar Mallick, Siddhant Kanhar, Ajay Kanhar and Budheswar Kanhar of the same village.
According to sources, Goura is posted with Pasara police outpost under Chakapad block. Similarly, Amarendra is posted as SOG constable in Phulbani.
Amarendra’s sister has not been keeping well for some days now. Amarendra had a dream that Goura was performing sorcery that resulted in his sister’s fever. Assuming his dream as reality, he called Goura and threatened him with dire consequences.
Worried Goura returned home and brought the matter to the notice of fellow villagers. Meanwhile, Amarendra attacked Goura with his aides in full public view. They tonsured him and made him drink sewage water before locking him inside a dark house.
On learning the matter, Goura’s daughter alerted Phulbani IIC who reached the village and rescued Goura before arresting the four while Amarendra managed to escape. The police then informed the SOG commandant about Amarendra’s heinous act.
When contacted, Goura said it was a mere rumour that he was a sorcerer. “I’m a constable and I have no idea about sorcery,” he added. PNN