Malkangiri man beaten to death in 'praja court' on suspicion of sorcery

A man was allegedly beaten to death during a 'praja court' at Kangurukunda village under Kalimela block in Malkangiri district over suspicion of practicing witchcraft, on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Padia Madkami.

According to sources, some irate locals thrashed Madkami during the praja court suspecting him of practicing witchcraft leading to his death on the spot.

On being informed, Kalimela police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation into the matter.

The police have sent the body for post-mortem and detained five persons in connection with the case.