Elderly couple murdered over witchcraft suspicion

Baripada: Bodies of an elderly couple were recovered from their house at Kukudajodi village under Sadar police limits in Baripada. The deceased were identified as Purna Hembram and his wife Singh Hembram.

It is suspected that the couple was murdered last night as their throats were found slit. While Purna’s body was found lying on road, his wife’s body was recovered from inside the house.

According to the sources, the couple was staying alone as their daughters were married and were staying outside. Similarly, their son, who also works outside the State, had returned to the village yesterday.

He reportedly had gone to his in- laws house when the incident occurred yesterday.

The couple had no past enmity with anyone so police are investigating the reason behind the murder of the couple.

“We suspect that the murder could be over witchcraft suspicion. We have got some leads and the case will be cracked soon," said inspector-in-charge of Baripada Sadar police station, Swarnalata Minz.