Odisha Collector Throws Rs 50K ‘Prove Witchcraft’ Challenge

Berhampur: To drive out superstition from lives of people in the remote pockets of Odisha, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange on Wednesday announced Rs 50,000 cash reward for anyone who can prove to him that witchcraft and black magic exist.

The district has witnessed a rise in crime committed in the name of black magic in the recent past. On the night of September 30, six persons, aged between 55 and 65 years, were tortured over suspicion of witchcraft after some villagers suddenly fell sick and three of them died at Gopapur village under Khallikote police limits. Eight teeth of each victim were uprooted and they were forced to eat human excreta. They were also beaten up and forcibly restrained at a community hall in the village.

On October 1, a police team reached the village and rescued the victims amid stiff opposition from the villagers who threw chilli powder and stones at them. They were then admitted them to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. Police then rounded up the villagers and arrested 29 residents, including 22 women, in connection with the witch-hunting case.

The collector said that he will pay the amount from his own pocket.

Besides, the district administration has also formed special teams to spread awareness on it in schools and colleges.