Villagers in Talamundali under Badamba block of Odisha’s Cuttack district killed a 30-year-old man on suspicion of practising witchcraft.
The victim, identified as Tikam Behera, was dragged out of his house late on May 10 and brutally assaulted. After beating him to death, the accused carried his body into a nearby forest and set it on fire to destroy evidence.
Reports said villagers blamed Tikam for problems faced by several families and accused him of practising black magic. The incident remained hidden until social media posts revealed details. Tikam’s father then lodged a complaint at Maniabandha police station.
Police launched raids across the area and arrested 25 people. Investigators suspect more villagers were involved, while several accused remain absconding. A police team recovered skeletal remains and other evidence from the forest.
During interrogation, one accused, Alok Dehuri, revealed the sequence of events, confirming how the mob dragged Tikam out, assaulted him, and later burnt the body. Police continue to track absconding suspects and expand the investigation.
