Sambalpur, Oct. 1: A group of people at Jambahal in Rengali killed a 64-year-old man over sorcery.

The deceased has been identified as Champei Oram. Rengali police have arrested Parsu Oram, the prime accused.

It is alleged that Parsu, who recently lost his brother, suspected that Champei had performed black magic to get him killed.

Last night around 9.30pm, Parsu, along with nine fellow villagers, allegedly entered the victim’s house and started beating Champei and his wife Bijayi.

Champei’s son, Dalagovind, who was present in the house, tried to save his parents. However, he, too, was beaten up.

Dalagovind informed the police about the incident. The police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured Champei and Bijayi to district headquarters hospital. Champei succumbed to his injuries while Bijayi’s condition is critical.

The police said: “Last night, Parsu saw Champei at a lonely place and suspected that he was practising sorcery. Later, Parsu, along with others, went to Champei’s house and attacked the family members.”

Dalagovind, a diploma engineering student, said: “They forcibly entered my house and started beating up my parents. They stripped my mother and thrashed her in front of me. They had been harassing my parents for the past few days. They killed my father. The accused should be given exemplary punishment.”

“The main accused, Parsu, has been arrested. He will be produced before court today. The other persons, who were involved in the incident, will be arrested shortly,” said inspector in-charge of Rengali police station, Pradeep Sahu.