Baripada: Khunta police of Mayurbhanj on Monday night arrested a 40-year-old man on charge of attacking a 55-year-old woman on the suspicion that she was practising witchcraft.
The accused, who had fled the scene after committing the offence in the afternoon, was arrested following raids on Monday night. The accused was identified as Sale Singh of Bhologadia village and the victim, Gurubari Singh, of same village, said the police.
The police would make some more arrests as it is suspected that the accused was instigated by others to attack the woman.
He would be produced in court after being booked under section of attempt to murder and Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Act, 2013, said Udla sub-divisional police officer S.R. Mahapatra.
The police said the woman had been attacked about two months ago by the accused and again on Monday. Gurubari was attacked with an axe while she was on her way to a paddy field. The police after receiving information had rushed to the spot and rescued her. She was shifted to the local community health centre with grievous injuries on the back of her head and neck. Later, she was shifted to PRM Medical College and Hospital after her condition deteriorated, said Mahapatra.
"Singh has been rounded up on Monday last night following raids. The weapon of offence is seized," said Mahapatra.
According to the police, a meeting was convened at the village by Singh nearly two months ago as he had suspected the Gurubari of practising witchcraft after his family members suffered from illness. She was asked to confess that she was practising witchcraft. However, she refuted the allegations, following which the woman was attacked by Singh.
The police said more persons were involved in the case and had instigated Singh. More arrests are expected.
Superstitions of black magic and sorcery are prevalent in the tribal-dominated district Mayurbhanj despite awareness programme. In the past two months, two women, one each at Kuliana and Bisoi, were killed in the suspicion of practising witchcraft.
