A 54-year-old woman was reportedly subjected to a violent assault by locals in Banitia village, situated in the Bhadrak district of Odisha. This incident occurred on September 25, 2026, following allegations that the victim, identified as Priyatama Mahanty, was practising witchcraft and had acquired hidden treasures. Although the event transpired on the day mentioned, it was only six days later, on October 1, that she filed a complaint with the authorities.

Priyatama, who is a local resident, had been living away from her village due to ongoing land disputes. At the time of the incident, her two sons were reportedly studying outside the state, while her husband remained outside Odisha, making her isolated during the incident.

Accusations Leading to Violence

The locals allegedly claimed that Priyatama had performed a ritual involving human sacrifice, which they believed enabled her to obtain hidden wealth. Furthermore, it was reported that the accusations intensified after a minor girl, related to Priyatama, exhibited behaviour suggesting she was possessed by a deity. This development exacerbated the community’s suspicion and hostility towards her.

In addition to the physical assault, Priyatama’s residence was reportedly vandalised. The complaint indicated that valuables, including cash and jewellery, were stolen during the chaos that unfolded.

Further Assault on the Way to Hospital

The violence allegedly continued beyond the initial attack. Reports indicate that as Priyatama’s brother was transporting her to a hospital in an auto-rickshaw due to her severe injuries, she was forcibly pulled from the vehicle and assaulted again. This suggests a deliberate continuation of hostilities against her by the local community.

Subrata Das, the Inspector In-Charge (IIC) of Bhadrak Rural police station, confirmed that the first information report (FIR) primarily addressed the land dispute element of the case. However, he noted that the complainant had also accused the assailants of inflicting torture under the suspicion of witchcraft. As per the latest updates, a case has been filed against six individuals, including two women, associated with the assault.

As of now, no arrests have been made. The investigation is reportedly ongoing, with authorities seeking to gather more evidence and testimonies related to the case. Local law enforcement is treating the matter with urgency to ensure justice for Priyatama amidst the serious allegations laid against her by her community.

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