A 50-year-old man was fighting for his life at a hospital in Odisha’s Nuapada district on Saturday, police said, after he was allegedly set on fire by villagers accusing him of practicing black magic.
On Friday evening, residents of Portipada village called a meeting where the victim, Kham Singh Majhi, was asked to attend.
A kangaroo court accused him of practicing black magic and as “punishment” tied him with straw ropes and set him on fire, police said.
As the fire engulfed him, Majhi ran from one house to another, screaming and screaming in pain. Since no one came to help him, he finally jumped into the pond.
He was rescued from the pond by his family who admitted him to Sinappli Government Hospital. According to the police, his condition was critical and he was taken to the District Headquarters hospital.
“The villagers called a meeting and threatened my father with dire consequences for practicing black magic. When he denied the accusations, they first beat him and then set him on fire,” Majhi’s son Hemlal said.
SDPO Khariara Arupa Behery said a case has been registered at Sinapalli Police Station and search for the accused is on.
“Most people fled their homes when the police reached the village,” he said.
“As alleged, an attempt was made to burn him alive. The investigation is currently in its preliminary stage. We will determine the cause of the attack only after a thorough investigation,” he added.
Published:
October 19, 2024
