In a disturbing trend of violence linked to witchcraft suspicion, three murders have occurred within a month in the Lanjigarh block of Odisha’s Kalahandi district.
The latest incident took place in Merangpadar village under Kumakhala Panchayat, where 40-year-old Sandu Majhi was allegedly killed and buried in a forest by fellow villagers.
Sandu had gone to a nearby village to repair his bicycle and never returned. His wife, Raja Majhi, filed a missing person report at Biswanathpur police station, suspecting foul play due to witchcraft accusations. Acting on the complaint, a police team led by Kesinga SDPO Sambit Majhi launched an investigation and recovered Sandu’s body from a forested area. A blood-stained knife believed to be used in the murder was also seized.
Five individuals—Ghuruna Majhi (53), Pushpa alias Kushta Majhi (35), Sandhu Majhi (38), Lachhman Majhi (39), and Raju Majhi (32)—were arrested and sent to judicial custody after their bail was denied. The post-mortem was conducted in the presence of magistrate Sandeep Tirkey.
This marks the third murder in the region linked to witchcraft suspicion, following similar incidents in Kandama and Bedagaon panchayats. Police have now intensified efforts to combat superstition-driven violence. SDPO Sambit Majhi announced that the Kalahandi police, in collaboration with elected representatives, NGOs, local intellectuals, and community members, will launch a widespread awareness campaign to educate people against blind beliefs and witch-hunting practices.
