Daringbadi: Police Saturday arrested 17 persons, including a minor, on the charge of killing a man over sorcery and subsequently burning his body in a bid to erase evidence at Badabanga village under Daringbadi police limits in Kandhamal district.
The deceased was identified as Subash Chandra Majhi. Police registered a case based on a complaint by Majhi’s wife Santoshi and made the arrests.
Many more persons involved in the case are on the run, police said. Meanwhile, the village wore a deserted look as all men were absconding. The half-burnt body was seized and sent to Berhampur forensic laboratory for examination.
The arrested persons were Sraban Pradhan (the main accused), Sagar Majhi, Pintu Pradhan, Rintu Pradhan, Kunal Pradhan, Radhakant Pradhan, Srikant Pradhan, Munal Pradhan, Jonesh Pradhan, Bonty Majhi, Gudu Pradhan, Ranjit Majhi, Uttam Majhi, Rohit Pradhan, Jayant Pradhan, Saroj Rout and the minor.
The accused will be produced in a court Sunday, investigating officer Chandrika Swain said, adding the absconders would be arrested soon.
According to police, Majhi was socially boycotted by the villagers who suspected him of practicing sorcery and had threatened him with life. Majhi had fled the village and was living elsewhere with his family.
Three days back, he had returned to his home over some work. Infuriated, locals took him to an isolated place and assaulted him Thursday evening. Later, they dumped Majhi at his home while he was battling for life. After surviving the night, Majhi succumbed to his injuries Friday morning before his wife could admit him to a hospital.
Left with no relatives, Santoshi called a nephew to take her to Daringbadi police station where she lodged a complaint. A police team then rushed to the village only to find the villagers trying to burn Majhi’s body to erase evidence. The villagers then fled, leaving the half-burnt body. PNN
