A 60-year-old man was found dead near the railway tracks close to Mohanpada village in Koraput block, triggering suspicions of murder possibly linked to sorcery.
The deceased, identified as Gangadhar Majhi, had been missing for two days. He was known locally for his farming and religious practices.
Villagers discovered the body and immediately alerted the police. Preliminary information suggests that Majhi was involved in a recent land dispute, which police are now investigating as a potential motive. However, some locals have speculated that the death may be connected to accusations of witchcraft, a belief still prevalent in parts of rural Odisha.
Police teams from Dumuriput and Sunabeda arrived at the scene and began their inquiry. The Koraput scientific team was awaited to conduct forensic analysis. Sunabeda police station officer Sushma Kahanr stated that the body would be seized for post-mortem, and only after scientific examination would the cause of death—whether murder or otherwise—be confirmed.
The incident has stirred concern in the community, with villagers demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
