Berhampur: At least three persons, including a man and his son, were killed and three others critically injured in a violent clash between two groups over witchcraft allegations at a village in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
As per police sources, the incident took place at Kharipalli village in Dharakote area of the district on Tuesday evening.
The deceased have been identified as Khadal Behera (70), his son Ratnakar Behera (35), and their relative Ramesh Behera (40). The injured persons were initially rushed to Dharakote hospital and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. Their condition was stated to be critical.
According to locals, the incident took place when a group of villagers attacked Khadal and Ratnakar with sharp weapons, suspecting them of practising witchcraft. Both reportedly died on the spot.
When their relatives tried to intervene, Ramesh and three others were attacked. Ramesh later succumbed to his injuries at Dharakote hospital.
Ganjam Superintendent of Police (SP) Subhendu Kumar Patra said that while the exact cause of the incident is under investigation, preliminary findings suggest past enmity between the two groups over the Behera family allegedly practising witchcraft might have triggered the violence.
Police personnel in strength have been deployed in the village to maintain peace and prevent any escalation. Senior police officers are camping in the area to monitor the situation.