Woman beaten to death on suspicion of witchcraft

Rourkela: It seems that the practice of branding women as 'witches' and torturing them continues unabated in remote areas in Odisha.

This was again evident after a 52-year-old woman was beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of practising witchcraft at Latakhandi village under Kuanarmunda police limits in Sundergarh district late on Friday night. The deceased has been identified as Jashoda Singh.

According to reports, the mob attacked the woman, her husband and son with sticks and wooden planks for allegedly practising 'black magic' in the village.

According to reports, over 20 persons dragged the woman out of the house and later assaulted her. The mob also thrashed the woman's husband and son when they tried to save her.

Jashoda died on the spot while her husband and son, who sustained severe injuries on head, were rushed to Rourkela hospital and their condition is said to be critical.

Meanwhile, police have detained 10 persons in connection with the incident and have initiated an investigation.