A shocking case of witchcraft-related violence rocked Malkangiri district, where villagers allegedly beat a 50-year-old woman to death over suspicion of sorcery.
The incident occurred in Saradaguda village under the Somnathpur panchayat of Korukonda block.
Police identified the victim as Padma Nayak, wife of the late Sahadev Nayak. Her son, Ganesh Nayak, lodged a written complaint at Orkel police station, accusing two villagers of killing his mother. Officers registered a case under number 157/2026 and began an investigation.
Reports said villagers suspected Padma of practising witchcraft after two unexplained deaths in the area. To confirm their belief, they called a sorcerer from the Kotpad region, who allegedly named Padma during a ritual gathering. Following the declaration, the sons of the deceased men attacked her mercilessly at the village square.
Ganesh rescued his mother in critical condition, and tried to take her home, but she succumbed to injuries on the way. Police, led by SDPO Pradosh Pradhan and IIC Dhiren Pattnayak, reached the village, seized the body, and initiated a detailed probe.
A scientific team visited the site on Sunday to collect evidence, while police deployed additional forces to prevent further unrest. Officials said the accused would face strict legal action once identified.
