In a shocking incident a 35-year-old man was brutally murdered in Odisha’s Gajapati district. The incident comes after the man was accused of practising witchcraft in the village. The incident took place on Saturday night in Malasapadar village under Mohana police limits. The victim, identified as Gopal, was reportedly beaten, strangled by a group of villagers. His genitals were also mutilated before the body was dumped in the nearby Harabhangi Dam.

Body Recovered, Police Launch Investigation

Upon investigation, the police recovered Gopal’s body from the reservoir on Sunday morning. The police sent it for a post-mortem examination. According to officials, 14 villagers have been detained in connection with the killing. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of G Udayagiri, Suresh Chandra Tripathy, confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Accused of Causing a Woman’s Death Through Black Magic

Locals suspected Gopal of being responsible for the death of a middle-aged woman in the village around two weeks ago. Believing her death was caused by black magic, tensions in the village had been rising. Fearing for his safety, Gopal had earlier fled the village with his family and taken shelter at his father-in-law’s house in Ganjam district.

Before leaving, Gopal had asked his sister-in-law to care for his cattle and goats. On Saturday, he returned to Malasapadar to collect his animals. That’s when he was reportedly abducted by angry villagers and later killed.

Witch-Hunting Still Claims Lives in India

Shockingly, this is not an isolated incident. Last month, a similarly shocking case was reported from Bihar’s Purnia district. Here, five members of a family were burned alive over similar accusations and suspicion of witchcraft. The victims were blamed for a child’s death in the village and buried by the villagers using a JCB machine. A teenage boy from the family managed to escape and informed the police about the incident.

Witch-hunting remains a serious issue in parts of rural India, often fueled by superstition and social unrest. Police in Gajapati district have assured strict action and urged communities to avoid falling prey to unfounded beliefs. The case has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting calls for stronger awareness and legal enforcement.

Police Continue to Interrogate Detained Villagers

In the wake of the incident the Police detained 14 suspects who are currently being questioned. Investigators are also speaking to local witnesses to build a clear timeline of events. More arrests are likely as the probe deepens. Authorities are also examining whether the incident was premeditated or sparked by sudden mob anger.

The recent horrifying incident reflects the grim reality of witch-hunting in India, especially in remote regions. Despite laws in place, such beliefs continue to cost innocent lives. Meanwhile, the activists and officials are stressing the need for grassroots awareness and education to stop these brutal acts.

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