Police Arrest 25 in Brutal Witchcraft‑Linked Killing in Odisha

Cuttack, Odisha – A 30‑year‑old man, Tikam Behera, was brutally beaten to death by villagers in Talamundali under Badamba block on May 10 after being accused of practising witchcraft. The mob dragged him out of his home, assaulted him, and later burnt his body in a nearby forest to erase evidence.

The incident surfaced only after details circulated on social media. Following a complaint lodged by Tikam’s father, police launched raids and arrested 25 individuals, while several suspects remain absconding. Skeletal remains and other materials were recovered from the forest. One accused, Alok Dehuri, confessed to the assault and burning of the body.

Authorities continue to track down absconding suspects as the investigation expands. The case underscores the dangers of superstition‑driven violence and highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns in rural Odisha.