Rayagada, Aug 17: A man was allegedly murdered brutally by fellow villagers on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Odisha’s Rayagada district, Police said on Sunday

The victim has been identified as Ramarao Jailakara, a resident of Burusubadi village under Sheshkhal police limits in the district.

According to reports, on August 8, a group of individuals allegedly made Ramarao consume poison during a meeting in the middle of the village in the presence of hundreds of villagers. Later, the villagers consigned the body to flames at the village crematorium.

The villagers also threatened the victim's family with dire consequences if they spoke about the incident.

Despite the horrific nature of the crime, his family refrained from approaching the police out of fear. It wasn’t until August 12 that they filed a formal complaint at Sheshkhal police station.

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Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested 12 individuals in connection with the murder. All accused have been produced before the court, confirmed SDPO Gaurahari Sahu.

For security reasons, Ramarao’s family has been relocated to a relative’s residence, while the village remains tense and deserted. The incident has once again highlighted the dangerous grip of superstition in rural Odisha.

Despite repeated awareness campaigns, belief in witchcraft continues to persist in many tribal and remote areas. SDPO Sahu stated that police will intensify awareness drives in Burusubadi and surrounding villages to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ramarao’s brother, Dharma Rao Bidika, expressed deep sorrow and urged government to ensure justice and protection for the family.

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