Sundargarh: Deep-rooted superstition continues to haunt parts of Sundargarh district, as an elderly man was allegedly killed and his wife injured in a brutal attack over suspected witchcraft practice, Monday night. The incident occurred in Kendakhole village under Sadar police limits, where a group of villagers allegedly assaulted an elderly couple, suspecting them of practicing witchcraft. The deceased has been identified as Mahadeb Pradhan (65).
His wife, Amila Pradhan, sustained injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment. Police said a team reached the spot Tuesday morning, seized the body and sent it for a post-mortem. A case has been registered and four persons have been arrested in connection with the murder. The accused have been identified as Kumud Bag (37), Lab Kujur (22), Shiva Pradhan (40), and Pramod Bag (35). Police have also seized weapons used in the crime, including a blowpipe, sticks and a knife. According to police, Mahadeb and his wife lived alone in the village, as their only daughter has been married off and resides in Balijuri village.
Locals allegedly suspected Mahadeb of practicing sorcery and branded Amila a ‘witch’. The suspicion became stronger after several villagers reportedly fell ill, leading to rumours that the couple was responsible. Acting on these beliefs, the four accused allegedly went to the couple’s house at around 8.30pm Monday and attacked them with weapons. Mahadeb died on the spot, while his wife was seriously injured.
The couple’s daughter, Jayanti Bag, said she received information about the incident over the phone late at night. She rushed to her parental home early Tuesday, shifted her injured mother to hospital and lodged a written complaint with police. Sadar SDPO Nirmal Mohapatra, along with a scientific team, visited the crime scene and began an investigation. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to carrying out the attack over suspicion of witchcraft. Police have registered a case (185/2026), and further investigation is underway.
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