Crime News / Black Magic Suspicion Leads to Murder in Odisha's Rayagada District; Police Arrest 12

Gunupur, Sep 17: Police arrested 12 villagers in connection with the alleged murder of a man in Rayagada district, with cops suspecting that the crime was triggered by villagers’ belief that the victim was involved in black magic.

The victim, Matia Patika from Kakitara village under Gothalpadar panchayat, went missing on the evening of September 2. His blood-stained body was found the following morning alongside his motorcycle near Banguru Canal.

Victim Targeted Over Sorcery Suspicion
Following a complaint lodged by Patika’s wife, Subarni Patika, Gunupur Police registered a case under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.

According to police, some villagers had allegedly developed resentment towards Patika, suspecting him of practising black magic and keeping himself away from community affairs.

Investigators said the accused allegedly ambushed Patika while he was returning home. They allegedly waylaid him near Banguru Canal and attacked him with a wooden plank, causing his death.

Police further alleged that the accused dumped Patika’s body and motorcycle into the stream in an attempt to destroy evidence.

12 Suspects Arrested
Police identified the arrested accused as Bidika Ramchandra (22), Bidika Ramesh (23), Bidika Santosh (21), Mandangi Lingaraj (24), Patika Mojesh (30), Patika Jogendra (20), Nimala Kumaru (21), Bidika Badama (20), Rabi Bidi Ka (25), Bidika Kailash (22), Bidika Ramdas alias Bidika Das (20), and Mandangi Keshab (35).

All 12 accused have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Also Read: Odisha Youth Burnt Alive after Brutal Assault

Plank, Phones And Motorcycle Seized
As part of the investigation, police seized the wooden plank allegedly used in the attack, 12 mobile phones and the victim’s motorcycle.

The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and the role of each accused, police said.