Kandhamal couple murder: Killing over witchcraft suspicion, Maoist involvement being probed, says SDPO

In a major twist to the murder of a couple at Gidapadar village in Kandhamal district, preliminary investigation revealed that it could be a case related to some past rivalry and witchcraft suspicion. The deceased have been identified as Dahira Kanhar and Batasi Kanhar.

Initially, it was suspected that both of them were brutally killed by the rebels inside a forest near the village. Phulbani SDPO, Suprasanna Mallick said the bodies of the deceased have been handed over to the family after post-mortem.

"The bodies of the couple were spotted by the villagers. A murder case was registered based on the complaint filed by their son. He informed me that his parents were doing black magic and some people had a rivalry with them," said Mallick.

The SDPO further said that the deceased's son has not reported about Maoist involvement in the murder case. Based on the FIR, our investigation is underway and it appears that the couple was killed with a hammer which has been recovered.

"Nobody has been detained in connection with the incident. We have no information regarding Maoist involvement so far. However, all aspects will be taken into consideration for carrying out further probes. We retrieved the bodies after following necessary SOP," Mallick added.