Man Beaten to Death Over Sorcery Suspicion in Cuttack, 25 Arrested

Bhubaneswar: In a shocking case of alleged mob lynching, a 30-year-old man was beaten to death by villagers on suspicion of practising sorcery, while his body was later burnt in a forest in an attempt to destroy evidence in Odisha’s Cuttack district.

The incident took place at Talamunduli village under Maniabandha police limits. The deceased was identified as Tikam Behera (30), son of Sweta Behera.

According to police, the incident occurred on May 10 during the Chandan Yatra celebrations but came to light after the victim’s father lodged a complaint at Maniabandha police station.

In the complaint, the victim’s father alleged that several villagers suspected Tikam of practising sorcery and blamed him for illnesses and other problems affecting families in the village. On the night of the incident, around 11 pm, a group of villagers allegedly dragged him out of his house, held a village meeting, brutally assaulted him, and later killed him.

The accused allegedly carried the body to a nearby forest and set it on fire to conceal the crime.

Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and have arrested 25 persons so far in connection with the case, while several others are still absconding. Police said the village has nearly emptied as many suspects fled after the incident came under investigation.

During the probe, police recovered bones and other evidence believed to be linked to the victim from the forest area. Investigators said a major breakthrough came after the arrest of the prime accused, Alok Dehuri (30), who reportedly disclosed details of the crime during interrogation.

Addressing a press conference at Tigiria police station, Cuttack (Rural) SP Vinit Agrawal said three special police teams were formed under the supervision of Athagarh SDPO Biswajit Mohanty to investigate the case. A scientific team also examined the crime scene and collected forensic evidence.

On Tuesday morning, women family members of the arrested accused reached Maniabandha police station seeking to meet them. However, police informed them that the accused had been shifted to Badamba, leading to tension in the area.

Further investigation into the case is underway.