One Arrested, Five Detained in Rayagada Elderly Man’s Murder Case

Bhubaneswar: Police on Saturday arrested one person and detained five others from Puri in connection with the brutal murder of an elderly man in Rayagada district, allegedly over suspicions of practicing sorcery.

The arrested accused has been identified as Ishwar Dora. The victim, Gopal Dora, was a resident of Doraguda village under Kashipur block in Rayagada district.

According to police, Gopal Dora was reported missing by his family on January 9, 2026. Following the complaint, an investigation was launched, leading to the recovery of his body from a nullah near the village on Thursday, January 22, 2026. His hands and legs were found tied, and a post-mortem examination confirmed that he had been murdered.

During interrogation, police revealed that the killing was allegedly motivated by suspicions that the victim was practicing sorcery. With assistance from Kumbharpada police in Puri, Doraguda police apprehended the main accused from Puri, while five others were detained for questioning.

Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events and the involvement of others in the crime.