Jhumpura: A man was killed in an organised attack by four villagers over suspected witchcraft practice and sorcery at Munda Sahi hamlet in Kankadajodi ghat under this block in tribal dominated Keonjhar district, Sunday night.
The deceased was identified as Sukalal Munda, 45, in the hamlet. Police registered a case and started an investigation after his widow Chabiri Munda lodged a complaint in Jhumpura police station.
Sources said murder of people over suspected witchcraft practice and sorcery have become a frequent occurrence due to superstition and lack of awareness among the people.
On being informed, police seized the body and sent it for post-mortem to Champua hospital. Later, police detained the four accused and questioned them in this connection. They will be arrested if their complicity in the murder is proved, a police official said.
Police said the deceased had strained relationship with four persons in the village as the latter suspected him of his involvement in witchcraft and sorcery practice. Their fight flared up again Sunday night when the four persons attacked him with lathis and beat him up to death.
PNN