Baripada: Sorcery-related violence resurfaced in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Monday, after an elderly woman was brutally attacked by her daughter-in-law, who claimed to be ‘god-possessed’.
The incident took place at their residence in NAC Ward No. 6, Udala.
According to sources, Sabitri Dutta was sitting on the verandah when her daughter-in-law, Mami Dutta, suddenly pounced at her and dragged her into the house. The accused then allegedly used a vegetable cutter and sticks to beat the elderly woman, inflicting severe injuries on her head and face. Neighbours, alerted by Sabitri’s cries for help, rushed to the scene and informed police, who immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Mami has been detained for questioning.
During initial interrogation, the accused claimed she was “possessed by a Goddess” and alleged that her mother-in-law had been using witchcraft against her, which she said led to the violent outburst. The victim said that her daughter-in-law attacked her, possibly to kill her over witchcraft suspicion. Her son was reportedly not at home during the incident.
Further investigation is underway.
