Baripada, March 8: Mayurbhanj police arrested a 30-year-old man on the charge of killing a 50-year-old widow, suspecting her to be a witch.

The accused, identified as Kisan Murmu of Kukundapur village under Mahuldiha police station limits, was sent to jail by the court.

Officer in charge of Mahuldiha police station Gopal Chandra Karna said: "The accused has confessed to the crime. We have also seized the weapon from his possession."

On last Sunday night, the accused had brutally attacked Jambhira Murmu of the same village with an axe when she was fast asleep.

He fled from the scene before the victim could recognise the assailant.

On hearing her scream, the neighbours rushed to her house and took her to a local hospital. However, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday.

On being informed, the police began an investigation during which it was revealed that the deceased was having a strained relationship with the accused.

Kisan's mother died three years ago after suffering from some diseases and at present his younger brother is suffering from fever.

After his mother's death he had consulted a sorcerer who had told Kisan that Jambhira was responsible for the death in his family.

Recently, when his brother also fell ill, Kisan grew suspicious and killed the woman.

In the recent past, he had also attacked the victim alleging that she was practising black magic.

Following the incident, a village meeting was held to resolve the dispute. However, the meeting yielded no result.