Bhanu Majhi

Balasore, Nov. 9: Baripada police arrested a 29-year-old man on the charge of killing a 75-year-old woman, suspecting her to be a witch.

The arrest took place yesterday in Kendua village under Samakhunta block in Mayurbhanj.

The accused, Bhanu Majhi, was forwarded to a local court today under section 302 of the IPC. Sunaram Tudu, the 20-year-old grandson of the victim, had lodged a complaint regarding the murder.

Inspector in charge of Baripada sadar police station, Tilattoma Rout said: “The accused killed the victim suspecting her to be a witch.”

During interrogation, Majhi confessed to having committed the murder. He told the police that he suspected Phulamani, who was a widow, to be practising black magic to harm him. He had lost several cattle and domestic animals. Besides, his family members were falling sick due to unknown reasons. On Friday night, he had a bad dream where he saw Phulamani practising witchcraft, the police said.

Consequently, he attacked the victim when she was alone in her house.

The accused dragged her out and thrashed her with a heavy stone block, causing her immediate death.

The accused fled the spot after committing the crime. Later, the police nabbed him.