SRIKAKULAM: IN the third attack on individuals over allegations of black magic practice in the district in less than three weeks, a vegetable vendor was brutally thrashed by the villagers at Gedda Kancharam of G Sigadam mandal on Saturday evening.
Accusing the vegetable vendor, Vaddi Sattramma of practising black magic, the villagers alleged that the dark rituals perfomred caused the death of one Ruppa Rama Rao (70), a native of the same village. However, Sattaramma’s son Vaddi Santa Rao claimed that her mother was innocent and he now fears that his mother might not be able to continue selling vegetables as the villagers would boycott her after the allegations.
Sattaramma, who was grievously injured in the attack, was rushed to a hospital at Rajam. The police have registered a case, said Ravi Kumar, head constable of G Sigadam police station. Valal Asirayya (70) was killed at Konchada village of Ponduru mandal four days ago over similar allegations. He succumbed to the injuries sustained after he was severely beaten up by the villagers.
On July 25, a similar incident caused the death of one Karagana Raja Rao (70) of Kanimetta village of Ponduru mandal. He was attacked by his fellow villagers over allegation that he was practising dark art. He, unable to bear the humiliation, reportedly committed suicide.Police have registered cases.