The haunted tree in Odisha’s Koraput! Why the buzz?

Fear and superstition gripped Semiliguda in Odisha’s Koraput district after two mysterious deaths led villagers to believe that a pair of trees was haunted in the region. Acting on the advice of a local sorcerer, residents attempted to uproot and immerse the trees in a river to “pacify” the spirits they believed were responsible for the deaths.

Tension first arose in Subai village under Semiliguda block after two villagers died in quick succession in recent days. Disturbed by the back-to-back deaths, locals approached a village sorcerer (gunia) for an explanation. 

The sorcerer reportedly claimed that some spirits resided in a banyan and an ashwattha tree standing on the outskirts of the village and warned that more deaths would follow unless the trees were uprooted and immersed in a river.

Villagers Act On Sorcerer’s Advice

On October 12, several youths from Subai followed the gunia’s instructions. They uprooted both trees and loaded them onto a tractor to carry them to the nearby Pitaguda River. However, as news spread that the trees were “haunted” and linked to the recent deaths, villagers from Pitaguda refused to allow the immersion, fearing the spirits might instead haunt their settlement.

Their refusal triggered similar objections from residents of Kunduli, Kolab, and Lenjiguda, who also barred the group from dumping the trees in their respective areas. The situation led to mounting confusion and tension between villages.

Police Intervene And Launch Awareness Drive

Alerted to the unrest, Sunabeda police reached the spot, convinced the frightened villagers, and brought the youths and the uprooted trees to the Sunabeda police station for safekeeping. Following the incident, Nandapur police launched an awareness drive at Subai temple on Thursday, attended by local representatives, villagers, and community elders.

During the programme, officials urged residents not to fall prey to superstition, reminding them that such beliefs have no place in a modern, scientific society. They clarified that no spirits inhabit trees and appealed to locals to maintain peace and harmony in the area. 

Police also confirmed that the trees kept at the station would not be relocated, hoping the move would quell lingering fears.