Elderly Woman Killed Over Witchcraft Suspicion in Mayurbhanj

Baripada: In a shocking incident allegedly driven by superstition, an unmarried elderly woman was murdered on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The incident took place in Kumbhirda village under Bahalda police station limits. The deceased has been identified as Jaba Tudu. The accused, her neighbour Yugu Marndi, has reportedly surrendered before the police following the crime.

According to preliminary information, the accused suspected the woman of being involved in witchcraft. Late on Friday night, while the victim was sleeping alone in her house, he allegedly attacked her with a sickle, causing fatal injuries. He is also accused of setting her on fire during the assault, leading to her death.

After receiving information about the incident, police from Bahalda police station rushed to the village and initiated an investigation.

On Saturday morning, Additional Superintendent of Police Jadunath Jena and Rairangpur SDPO Birendra Kumar Senapati, along with a scientific team, visited the spot to examine the crime scene and collect evidence.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the killing.

Despite awareness drives and stringent legal provisions against witch-hunting, such incidents continue to be reported from certain rural pockets of the state, highlighting the persistent grip of superstition in some areas.