Bhubaneswar, Nov. 18: A man was burnt alive by a group of people in Rayagada, 500km from here, on Thursday night.
The victim has been identified as Rashi Majhi, 40, who was released on bail a few days ago. The incident took place at Badapukel village under Tikiri Police station limits of the district.
Sources said Majhi was involved in a dispute with some people in his village over land rights. He had gone to jail after fighting with some of these people.
After coming out of jail, Majhi used to live in the neighbouring Badapukel village as he feared for his life in his own village. However, he had to visit his own village on Thursday after being informed about the illness of his mother.
While returning, he was intercepted by some people, who first beat him up and then set him afire in a paddy field. His charred body was later recovered from the field.
Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Raygada, V.R. Rao said: “Rishi had enmity with a few people. Some cases had been lodged against him. We are trying to arrest his killers.”
Some local residents said that Majhi used to practice witchcraft and even tried to use it against his opponents. This upset not only his rivals but also some other people. They were looking for an opportunity to settle scores with him.
“Local residents said he used to practice witchcraft to take revenge on his opponents. Such things often lead to killings in tribal areas,” said a senior police officer.