Man killed over witchcraft in Odisha

Keonjhar: Despite rigorous campaigns, brutal killings over superstition and blind beliefs continue unabated in rural parts of Odisha. In one such incident, a youth was allegedly beaten to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft at Pidhapokhari village under Bamebari police limits of Keonjhar district.

The deceased identified as Sudam Munda was beaten to death by four persons of the same village yesterday. However, the matter came to light after police recovered Sudam's body from a ditch today.

Sources said Tudu Munda along with his three cousin brothers had thrashed Sudam after tying him to a jackfruit tree.

Police officials informed that Tudu's mother was unwell for the past couple of weeks. Tudu suspected that Sudam had cast some black magic spell for which his mother died.

Tudu along with three others caught hold of Sudam on Tuesday and beat him to death.

Following the allegations, police today arrested four persons including the prime accused Tudu and three cousins who have been identified as Sandha Munda, Durga Munda and Mitra Munda.

Meanwhile, further investigation in connection with the incident is on.