Two Arrested for Murder of Elderly Man in Chandaka Forest Over Witchcraft Suspicion

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has cracked the mystery behind the human skeleton found recently in the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, uncovering a case of murder driven by superstition.

The skeletal remains were identified as those of 72-year-old Balaram Deogam, who had been missing for over a month. Police have arrested Kanhei Hembram and Rama Samada, both residents of the same village as the deceased, in connection with the crime.

According to Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh, forensic examination and recovery of the victim’s personal belongings confirmed his identity. The investigation revealed that the accused believed Balaram practiced witchcraft and was responsible for the deaths of their family members.

Police said Kanhei Hembram, a forest watchman, conspired with his associate Rama Samada to avenge his father’s death. On September 30, the duo allegedly ambushed and strangled Balaram before burying his body inside the forest to conceal the crime.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to the murder, leading police to recover a torch, water bottle, and lathi from the crime spot.

Both accused have been produced in court, and police have sought a 15-day remand to continue the investigation.

Authorities have condemned the incident as another reminder of how superstition-fueled beliefs continue to claim innocent lives in rural Odisha.