Kaptipada: A couple had been missing in Bhekadiha under this block in Mayurbhnaj district since Sunday. Their bodies were recovered from the Sona dam Wednesday. Police investigation found that they were suspected to be practicing witchcraft and hence were hacked to death by two persons.
The deceased were identified as Sitaram Singh, 62 and Leta Singh, 55.
Firefighters along with an ODREF team carried out a search operation to retrieve the bodies from the dam over the last two days. The couple had gone to watch football match Sunday and had not returned since then.
Sima Singh, daughter of the deceased couple, has lodged a complaint at the police station.
Police registered a case and started an investigation. Two persons – Lagu Ho (24) and Dibakar Dangli (26) of Mahulapanka are the accused in the case. Police have arrested Lagu while the Dibkar is absconding. Police have been carrying out raids at various places to nab him.
Lagu revealed before the police that Dibakar was not keeping well. He suspected that the couple had cursed him with black magic and was seeking a chance to eliminate them.
Dibakar then sought help of Lagu to kill the couple. While Sitaram and Leta were returning Sunday they were waylaid by the two accused. The two then mercilessly hacked the couple to death.
Dibakar and Lagu then carried the lifeless bodies through the forest and to the site of the dam. They then took the bodies in a boat and threw those into the water.
Sniffer dogs led the police to the dam. Police then suspected that the bodies might under water and search operation was mounted.
It may be noted here that some people had also attacked this family and their relatives August 31 on suspicion of witchcraft.
PNN