6 persons arrested over ‘witchcraft on elderly woman’ in Odisha

At least six persons were arrested for allegedly practising witchcraft on the pretext of performing puja to drive out an elderly woman in Chitapari-4 village of Patrel panchayat under Korukonda block and Orkel police limits in Malkangiri district, on Monday.

The arrests occurred in response to allegations centred on the supposed actions of priests who allegedly branded a 67-year-old woman, Bati Khila, a witch following a series of unexplained deaths of locals and animals in the preceding year.

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The suspects, reportedly priests, are said to have collaborated with counterparts from the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh. The accused conducted rituals on the pretext of a sanctioned religious ceremony, raising suspicions amongst residents.

Upon receiving a tip from villagers, police intervened and halted the ceremony, leading to the arrest of six persons. Police have seized various ritualistic items and the vehicle used during the incident, and a detailed probe is underway to uncover more info.

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“Six arrested were forwarded to court following the rejection of their bail plea. We have seized a decorated Khatola and a car used in the alleged crime. We have also registered a case in this connection and a probe is underway,” a cop from Orkel PS stated.

Worth mentioning, a man was allegedly killed on the suspicion of witchcraft in Jarapa village under Bandhugaon police limits of Koraput district, on December 8, last year. A villager named Jangama Minyak died due to unknown reasons. Suspecting foul play, the deceased’s family blamed another man Siba Minyak for the former’s death and killed Siba.