Witchcraft whiff in youth's murder in Gajapati

Gajapati: A youth was allegedly hacked to death at Dambuguda village under Mohana police station limits in Gajapati district. The deceased has been identified as Mikhael Pradhan.

According to reports, one Mishial Parichha of the same village allegedly attacked Mikhael when the latter was returning home yesterday.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the youth was murdered over suspected witchcraft.

Sources said the accused Mishial's son had died after he was bitten by a stray dog a few months back.

Suspecting that the deceased Mikhael's father Magadha performed some 'black magic' which led to his son's death, Mishial had planned to kill the youth.

"Though it appears that the murder could be the fallout of past enmity over suspected witchcraft, our investigation in connection with the incident is on," said a senior officer of Mohana police station, Alok Jagada.

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Alok further informed that the involvement of two to three persons in the murder is also suspected while further probe is underway.