Man Tortured and Killed Over Sorcery Allegations in Odisha’s Gajapati; 8 Detained

(OT Webdesk)In a disturbing case of superstition-fueled violence, eight youths have been detained in Odisha’s Gajapati district for allegedly murdering Karunakar Dalei, a man accused of practising sorcery.

Dalei, originally from Kamalapur village, had been residing in Kusumpur for the past eight months, offering herbal remedies to locals.

Tensions escalated after the death of a 12-year-old boy, prompting villagers to suspect Dalei of witchcraft. On July 28, he was reportedly abducted by a group of youths, confined at an anganwadi centre, and tortured over three days.

He succumbed to his injuries, and his body was allegedly buried on a forested hilltop, 4 km from the village.

Following a complaint from Dalei’s family, Mohana police launched an investigation and detained eight individuals.

Authorities are now preparing to exhume the body in the presence of a magistrate to collect forensic evidence.

The incident has reignited concerns over the prevalence of sorcery-related violence in tribal regions and highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns and legal safeguards.