Clash over witchcraft suspicions
In a gruesome act of mob violence, a 65-year-old man, his son, and another villager were brutally hacked to death in Odisha’s Ganjam district following allegations of witchcraft. The shocking incident took place late Tuesday in Kharipalli village, where deep-seated superstitions and tensions boiled over into bloodshed.
Clash over witchcraft suspicions
The victims—Khadala Behera (65) and his son, Ratnakar Behera (35)—had been ostracized by the villagers for the past three years over accusations of practicing witchcraft. Despite the social boycott, they continued to reside in the village under an air of hostility. Authorities had even deployed police personnel in the area a month ago to prevent violence, but after their recent withdrawal, the simmering unrest exploded into chaos.
Clash over witchcraft suspicions
Trouble began on Tuesday evening when a dispute erupted over access to the village pond. As tensions escalated, armed villagers gathered outside the Beheras’ home, demanding that they leave the village immediately. When the father and son attempted to defend themselves with sharp weapons, a violent clash ensued.
By the time the dust settled, Khadala and Ratnakar lay dead, their bodies mercilessly hacked even after they had stopped breathing. A third man, Ramesh Behera (45), also lost his life in the carnage, while three others sustained serious injuries. The enraged mob did not stop there—they torched the victims’ house, further deepening the tragedy.
Clash over witchcraft suspicions
Police forces rushing to the scene were initially prevented from entering the village by furious locals. In response, 12 platoons of police personnel have now been deployed to maintain law and order.
Odisha has long struggled with witch-hunting violence, despite the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, which criminalizes witch-branding and imposes strict penalties. However, the law lacks measures to combat the entrenched stigma and social ostracization that victims face.
Clash over witchcraft suspicions
Witchcraft-related killings remain alarmingly common in tribal-dominated districts like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Malkangiri, and Ganjam. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Odisha has recorded at least 540 such murders between 2015 and 2022, ranking second in the country for witch-hunting cases, just behind Jharkhand.
Clash over witchcraft suspicions
This brutal incident is yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws, greater awareness, and community-driven efforts to eradicate such dangerous superstitions before more lives are lost.
