Cuttack: Police in Odisha’s Cuttack district have arrested 25 villagers in connection with the brutal mob lynching of a 35-year-old man, who was allegedly beaten to death on suspicion of practising sorcery.
The victim’s body was later set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The deceased has been identified as Tikam Behera of Talamunduli village under Maniabandha police station limits in Cuttack district. The incident, which occurred on the night of May 10 during Chandan Yatra celebrations, came to light days later when the victim’s father filed a complaint.
Sweta Behera (55), the victim’s father, who was staying at his in-laws’ house in nearby Gojapada village, lodged an FIR on Monday night after learning of the killing. He alleged that a group of villagers dragged his son from his home to a village meeting, assaulted him mercilessly, and then burned the body.
Cuttack (Rural) SP Vinit Agrawal said three separate teams, led by Athagarh SDPO Biswajit Mohanty, were formed to probe the case. A scientific team examined the crime scene, collecting physical samples and other evidence for forensic analysis. During interrogation, one of the accused reportedly confessed in the presence of witnesses, leading to the recovery of partially burnt body parts and bones.
The SP confirmed the arrest of 25 people in connection with the incident. “Verification of other suspects is underway and they too would be arrested subsequently,” he said.
According to preliminary investigation, some villagers had long suspected Tikam of sorcery and conspired to eliminate him. On the fateful night, around 11 pm amid the ongoing festivities, the accused allegedly pulled him out and brutally thrashed at a village gathering. His body was then burned to erase traces of the crime.
Locals described Tikima as a married man whose wife had left him seven years ago due to marital issues. He had been living with his elder brother and sister-in-law in the village, while his father resided about 1.5 km away.
Reports indicated that the brother and sister-in-law witnessed the dragging but remained silent out of fear, as the majority of the village had united against the victim. Even after the murder, they did not immediately alert the police, reportedly fearing mob retaliation.
Further investigation is underway, and police have assured that all angles are being thoroughly examined.
