Six Arrested for Killing Villager Over Sorcery Suspicion in Rayagada

Rayagada: Police on Saturday arrested six persons for allegedly killing a man on suspicion of practicing sorcery in Manasiguru village under Seshakhala police limits of Rayagada district.

The victim, identified as 47-year-old Narayana Mandingi, was attacked late Thursday night with wooden planks and bamboo sticks after an altercation at his residence. He died on the spot.

Police said the accused believed Narayana was responsible for the death of the father of one of them, Parameswara Tadingi. They had also accused him of threatening to use black magic against villagers Medri Jilakara and Rabi Kilaka.

Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s son, Prem Kumar Mandingi, police arrested Parameswara Tadingi, Balaram Mandingi, Akhaya Tadingi, Medri Jilakara, Manas Tadingi, and Rabi Kilaka. The weapons used in the crime were seized, and the accused have been forwarded to court.