Gunpur: Despite capital punishment handed down to nine accused by Gunpur ADJ court, cases of witch hunting are still being reported from various parts of Rayagada district.
The capital punishment was handed with the notion that it would send a clear message against the superstition- driven crime and help curb such incidents.
However, the rising cases of witch hunt indicate that the judgment didn’t deter people from involved in such crimes.
Exactly 10 months after the judgment (February 23), three persons were killed as people suspected them to indulge in black magic.
The district administration has taken several steps to create awareness among people to refrain from lynching after branding him/her for practicing witchcraft. Many innocents have lost their lives due to this.
Some of the alleged culprits arrested on charges of murder are cooling their heels behind the bars while others have been set free due to lack of proof and witnesses.
Madhav Sabar was killed August 21, 2016 at Chintaluguda village of Shirijholi Panchayat under Gunpur block. Nine people were arrested in relation to this case.
However, September 9 the same year, three members of a family were killed at Kitung village. In this connection, police arrested 10 villagers including a minor. The two incidents that occurred within two months had created a lot hue and cry then.
Similarly, a couple of Tadabada village near Puta Singh in Gunpur block was killed August 31, 2011. Police arrested three persons in this connection.
Cases related to witchcraft have been occurring at regular intervals. But many such cases are allegedly not coming to the fore.
Some elderly people of this block said that the menace can only be checked through regular awareness campaigns.
Odisha Police DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma inaugurated Wednesday a memorial for sorcery victims on the office premises of the Superintendent of Police, here. Among others, some police officials, family members of victims, social activists, members of SHGs, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers were present at the event.
PNN