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Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Brutal Assault in Odisha
3 Oct
Summary
- Woman attacked after locals suspected witchcraft and hidden treasure.
- Assailants used sticks, poles, and a crowbar in the brutal assault.
- Police registered a case against six individuals, but no arrests yet.
A 54-year-old woman was subjected to a violent assault in Banitia village, Bhadrak district, Odisha, on September 25. Villagers targeted her based on suspicions of practising witchcraft and hoarding hidden treasure, alleging a ritual involving human sacrifice. The victim, Priyatama Mahanty, had been living outside the village due to a land dispute.
During the attack, Mahanty was dragged from her home and beaten with sticks, wooden poles, and an iron crowbar. Her house was vandalized, and cash and jewellery were looted. A video circulating showed a large crowd witnessing the assault.
The violence reportedly escalated after a relative of Mahanty exhibited what locals perceived as divine possession. Even while being taken to the hospital in a critical condition, she was allegedly pulled from an auto-rickshaw and assaulted again.
The Bhadrak Rural police have registered a case against six individuals, including two women. While the initial FIR focused on a land dispute, witchcraft accusations were also included. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made as of the report.
