Odisha: Sorcery-related group clash leaves three dead

By Prakash Panigrahi

Berhampur, March 20: Tension gripped Kharipalli village in the Dharakote block of Ganjam district in Odisha after a violent group clash over allegations of sorcery left three people dead and three others critically injured.

According to sources, a confrontation erupted when a group of villagers accused Khadal Behera and his son, Ratnakar Behera, of practicing sorcery. The verbal altercation quickly spiraled into violence, with the attackers resorting to physical assault.

In the ensuing chaos, Khadal and Ratnakar Behera were brutally killed. Another villager, identified as Ramesh Behera, also lost his life amid the retaliatory violence. Three other individuals sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital after police arrived at the scene.

As of the latest reports, the situation in the village remains highly tense. Police have detained around ten individuals in connection with the incident, and a forensic team is expected to arrive shortly to assist with the investigation. Authorities have not yet provided further details.

This incident follows a similar case earlier this month in Odisha’s Bolangir district. In that case, a group clash over allegations of witchcraft in Atgaon village, under the jurisdiction of Tusura police station, resulted in the beheading of 40-year-old Sushant Bag and left four others critically injured.

Violence linked to sorcery accusations remains a recurring issue in parts of Odisha, highlighting deep-rooted superstitions and the urgent need for social awareness and intervention.