Bolangir/Gudvella: A man was brutally killed in an organised attack by his neighbors, allegedly over suspicions of sorcery and witchcraft, at Atagaon village under Tushura police limits in Bolangir district Tuesday night. The victim was identified as Shyamsundar Bag, 45, son of Yugadhar Bag. Four persons from both families sustained critical injuries in the clash.
They were identified as the victim’s parents, Yugadhar and Radhika Bag, and Balgopal Rana and his mother, Tripura Rana, from the neighbor’s family. They have been admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital and are undergoing treatment. Tushura police registered a case following a complaint by the victim’s wife, Subhakanti, and launched an investigation. Five persons from the neighbour Rana’s family were arrested and interrogated in connection with the incident. They were identified as Sarat Rana, Tripura Rana, Sushil Rana, Balgopal Rana, and Ranjan Rana. Bolangir SP Abhilash G visited Atagaon village Wednesday to oversee the police investigation.
Sources indicate that a longstanding dispute existed between the Bags and Ranas in the village. The situation escalated Tuesday night when members of the Rana family accused the Bags of practicing witchcraft, alleging that it was the cause of their family members’ illness. As tensions rose, a heated argument ensued between the two families, leading to a violent altercation. Shyamsundar Bag protested against the accusations, but the dispute quickly turned into a physical assault. The attack by the Rana family reportedly resulted in Shyamsundar’s death. Bolangir SP informed the media that the murder may have been driven by suspicions related to witchcraft. A police team from Tushura police station seized the axe and other weapons used in the crime. Reports suggest that Bag was first attacked with an axe and then bludgeoned to death with stones. A forensic team arrived at the crime scene Wednesday and launched an investigation.
