Berhampur: A 70-year-old man was hacked to death over suspicion of practising sorcery in Dhobadipatpur village under Purusottampur police limits in Ganjam district on Tuesday.
As per reports, one Murali Pradhan of the same village allegedly killed Krushna Pradhan by slitting his throat with a sharp weapon. Later, Murali surrendered at Hinjili police station along with the murder weapon.
While the accused admitted before police that he killed Krushna as the latter was practising witchcraft, Dhobadipatpur villagers suspect past enmity as the reason behind the murder.
"He (Murali) hacked him (Krushna) with a sharp weapon. Multiple cut marks found in the body of the deceased. We have sent the body to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem. The duo had earlier fought over some issues; hence, it seems more like a case of past enmity," said Purusottampur SDPO Nimai Charan Sethi.
However, Sethi denied sorcery being the cause behind the brutal attack. "Our investigation is underway and we will find out the motive behind the murder soon," he added.