Man killed and burnt with another body on suspicion of witchcraft in Odisha

A man was allegedly killed on suspicions of witchcraft in Jarpa village under Bandhugaon police station of Odisha's Koraput district on Sunday.

According to reports, a villager named Jangama Minyak passed away suddenly the day before yesterday. Suspecting foul play, the deceased’s family blamed another man, Shiva Minyaka, for the death.

The suspicion soon intensified and violence broke out and Shiva was allegedly killed by being placed on the dead body of Jangama in the village.

As per the allegations, after the murder, both individuals were burned in a single pyre. Locals were reportedly intimidated to abstain from informing the police.

Meanwhile, concerned authorities or police are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

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A similar incident had unfolded in Portipada village in October when a 50-year-old man was set on fire over accusations of witchcraft under the Sinapali police limits in Nuapada district.

The reports then stated that villagers had tied the man with straw ropes and set him ablaze, causing severe burns to his face, limbs, and other body parts. Despite his denials of practicing witchcraft, the villagers assaulted him after calling a meeting to threaten him with severe consequences.

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In a desperate bid to save his life, the victim ran through the village and jumped into a pond following which his family rescued him and admitted him to a hospital, where he was last reported to be battling for life.