Elderly man allegedly killed over witchcraft suspicion in Rayagada district

Rayagada: An elderly man was murdered allegedly on  the suspicion of practising witchcraft in Rayagada district of Odisha, triggering shock and fear in the local area.

The incident occurred in Sundhipadar village under the Ambadala block, where the body of the victim was recovered from a paddy field on Tuesday morning. Locals suspect that the man was killed during the night, allegedly after his head was smashed with a stone.

According to sources, the victim had earlier been involved in disputes with some villagers who suspected him of practising witchcraft. Family members said the elderly man had not returned home the previous night. When he remained untraceable, they launched a search and later found his body lying in the agricultural field.

Upon receiving information, police rushed to the spot and initiated an investigation. A scientific team has also been deployed to examine the crime scene and collect forensic evidence. Officials said further details would emerge after the post-mortem examination and forensic analysis.

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The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of superstition-driven violence in certain rural areas, where individuals are sometimes targeted over allegations of witchcraft.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the killing and assured that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.