Dhenkanal: In order to practice black magic, a man allegedly murdered his wife and performed occult (tantric) rituals with the latter’s disrobed body in Ambapalas village under Parjang block in Dhenkanal district, a source said Saturday.
The deceased wife has been identified as Mamata Khatua (35).
Astama Khatua — husband of the deceased — was allegedly in an inebriated state when he killed his wife. Later, he took her body to a nearby forest to perform tantric rituals on the day of Shivaratri, the source added.
When asked about the alleged murder, Astama denied the allegation. He told police that by the time he reached home, Mamata was already dead.
Meanwhile, Shiva Khatua — brother of the accused — claimed that he saw Astama performing black magic rituals near the body in the forest.
The body of the deceased has been sent for postmortem and further details regarding the cause of death can only be determined after the autopsy report comes out, said a police source.
Astama has been detained and a probe has been launched by Parjang police.
According to police, Astama is Mamata’s second husband. She had three children from her first marriage. Later, she fell for Astama and eloped with him. The couple used to have fallouts over insignificant issues, the police source informed.
PNN
