BARIPADA: Though a fortnight has passed since six women and a tantrik were tied to a tree and assaulted in full public glare on sorcery suspicion, police are yet to make any arrests. The shameful incident took place on October 22 at Madhupur village within Badashi police limits in Mayurbhanj district. It came to light on Sunday after a video of the women being tied to a tree and beaten up went viral on social media.
Radhamani, the wife of the victim tantrik’s Siba Singh, had lodged a complaint with police in this connection on October 23. However, the cops allegedly did not register it, sources said
The accused, identified as Jethia Singh, Jagina Singh, Raja Singh, Maguni Singh and Taa Singh of Madhupur had tied Siba and five women to a tree and beat them up for practising witchcraft. Following the incident, all the six had to be admitted in the local hospital. Siba, who sustained injuries on his back, legs and hands, was later shifted to Baripada district headquarters hospital after his condition deteriorated. He was discharged from the hospital on October 25.
As per reports, Siba was accused of practising black magic on some persons at a meeting of the villagers two days before the incident.
The villagers charged the tantrik of having a hand in the death of three persons and a child Budhiram Singh of Madhupur.
Later, the five accused dragged Siba from his house and tied him to a tree. After being beaten up in full public glare, Siba put the blame on the five women in a bid to save himself from the wrath of the villagers. The accused then brought the women and tied them up before thrashing them mercilessly.
Radhamani, who rushed to the spot to save her husband, was also beaten up by the accused. On being informed, police rushed to the spot and rescued Siba and the women. The accused, however, managed to flee.
IIC P Ekka said a case has been registered against the five accused on the basis of Radhamani’s complaint. Investigation is on and accused will be arrested soon.