Balasore: A 70-year-old man was brutally attacked by a fellow villager on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Nilgiri area of Balasore district last night.
Sources said the nephew of one Chhaturam Singh of Baghamara village under Jambudia Panchayat of the district was ailing for a long time. Holding the old man identified as Ramachandra Singh and his witchcraft responsible for his nephew's illness, Chhaturam launched a murderous attack on him outside his house last night leaving the old man critically injured.
Ramchandra was admitted to the Nilgiri Sub-divisional Hospital for treatment. Later, a written complaint was filed with police against Chhaturam and his brother-in-law. However, no arrest has so far been made in this connection.
Police said investigation is on into the incident and action will be taken against the accused if the allegations are proved.
“He threw me on the ground and later started hitting my head with a stone saying that I am trying to kill his nephew. Why would I do that?," said Ramachandra.