A shocking incident unfolded in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, where a man allegedly murdered his mother over suspicions of sorcery.
The accused, identified as 35‑year‑old Tapan Barik of Kalarafulia village under Betnoti police limits, was arrested soon after the crime.
According to police, Tapan believed his mother, Raimani Singh (48), practised witchcraft and blamed her for his wife’s repeated miscarriages. Domestic disputes had escalated in recent months, and his wife had left the house two months ago. Villagers reported that Tapan had been behaving abnormally and frequently accused his mother of being responsible for his misfortunes.
On Wednesday morning, an argument broke out between the mother and son. In a fit of rage, Tapan attacked her with a sharp weapon, killing her instantly.
Betnoti police reached the spot, seized the weapon, and sent the body for a post‑mortem. A case has been registered, and investigators are probing whether superstition or mental health issues played a role in the crime.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of blind belief and superstition in rural Odisha. Locals have demanded strict action against the accused and stronger awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies.
