In yet another instance of social injustice by a kangaroo court, three siblings were brutally thrashed and slapped with a fine of Rs 1 lakh as a punishment for allegedly practising sorcery at Hudisahi under Berhampur police limits in Balasore district.
As per reports, some villagers fell ill in a span of few days raising suspicion that it is the result of some kind of black magic. The villagers held the three brothers responsible and convened a kangaroo court.
Following the diktat of the kangaroo court, the three siblings were thrashing mercilessly by the villagers in full public view and asked to pay a penalty of Rs 1 lakh.
Somnath Singh, one of the victims said, "They asked me to come with them and accused me of sorcery. When I told them to prove it, they thrashed me mercilessly."
Ghasiram Singh, the father of the siblings said, "I do not know what is black magic and how it is practiced. Around 10 people came at night and asked me to come with them. I knew their intention, so I did not go with them."
Earlier, an elderly couple had sustained critical injuries after being attacked by a mob at Sunapur village under Golanthara Police limits of Ganjam district over suspicion of practicing sorcery.
They were rushed to the hospital for treatment following the attacked by the villagers. After the matter came to light, police launched an investigation into the case.