RAYAGADA: Six persons of Sudingaguda village of Kashipur block were arrested by Tikiri Police on Monday for killing a person on the suspicion of practicing sorcery.
They are Naika Majhi, Nitya Majhi, Linga Majhi, Hari Majhi, Madhab Majhi and Nilambar Majhi. On April 9, Prahallad Majhi (60) of Sudingaguda village in Bankamb panchayat under Tikiri police limits, was beaten to death and his body burnt by some villagers, who suspected him of practising sorcery.
The six were forwarded to court, which remanded them in judicial custody.
According to the police complaint filed by Majhi’s sons, he was dragged out of his house and beaten to death by a group of villagers. Though Majhi’s wife was present at home, her efforts to save him failed.
In the FIR, Majhi’s son Bhima had alleged that one Binku Majhi of the village was suffering from stomach ailment for nearly five months and his family held Prahallad responsible for the disease. Binku, who was also an accused in the murder, died on Saturday.
SDPO, Y Jagannath Rao said further investigation is on to find out involvement of more persons in the incident.
Sorcery and witchcraft-related crimes are common in Rayagada district. Last year, at least six persons were killed in sorcery-related violence in Rayagada district.