Youth arrested within 48 hours for allegedly killing aunt over witchcraft suspicion in Sundargarh

Police on Monday arrested a youth accused of murdering his aunt in Jhiripani village under Kutra police station limits in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, barely 48 hours after the crime.

The accused allegedly slit the woman’s throat on suspicion that she was practising witchcraft.

The deceased has been identified as Sarojini, who was living with her son. The incident occurred on February 27 while her son was at school.

Murder Took Place During Daytime

According to reports, the accused nephew allegedly attacked and killed Sarojini during the day in her house. When her son returned from school, he found his mother lying in a pool of blood and immediately alerted the villagers.

The villagers then informed the Kutra police. Upon receiving the information, police reached the spot, recovered the body and launched an investigation.

Accused Confesses; Weapon Seized

Within 48 hours of the incident, police apprehended the accused and seized the knife allegedly used in the murder.

Badagaon Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bibhuti Bhusan Bhoi said, “The accused was arrested within 48 hours of the incident. He has confessed to the crime, and the murder weapon, a knife, has been seized from his possession. The motive behind the attack was suspicion driven by superstition. The accused is the son of the deceased woman’s brother-in-law.”

Family Demands Strict Punishment

Sanjay Minja, the deceased’s brother, demanded strict action against those responsible.

“They murdered her. Her throat was slashed, and she had injuries on her head as well. My only demand is that the people responsible be given strict punishment,” he said.

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Police said further investigation into the case is underway.