Berhampur, Dec. 6: Gosaninuagaon police seized the body of an eight-year-old girl, Santoshini Patnaik, from the embankment of Sapua canal near Andhapasara Road.

The body was wrapped in banana leaves. Vermilion, turmeric and sandal pastes on the forehead have given rise to suspicion that she was a victim of witchcraft practices.

The police said the girl had died of measles and her 40-year-old mother, Sashi, a widow, tried to save her life by witchcraft.

Dhoba Swain, assistant sub-inspector of police, said the body had been sent for post-mortem. “After the post-mortem, we will initiate action,” he said.