14 get lifer for murder over sorcery in Odisha

Rayagada: A local court today sentenced lifer to 14 accused persons for killing a man on sorcery suspicion in 2017 in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

Based on evidence and statements of 19 witnesses, the Additional District & Sessions Judge Court in Rayagada pronounced the life sentence to all the 14 persons accused of murder.

The convicts included Bulak Tadingi, Dandas Naraseya, Kisa, Jogi, Mohan, Sukar, Manoj, Prahallad, Gumpha, Shankar, Naidu, Kita and Ananda. They were accused of killing Dekina Tadingi, a resident of Chanchida village under Seskhal police limits.

Along with life sentence, the accused persons were slapped with Rs 25,000 fine each.

Besides, the wife of the deceased will be provided Rs 2.50 lakh compensation.

According to reports, a group of people had killed Dekina for allegedly practicing sorcery in the village. As many as 14 persons attacked him on Nov 18, 2017, while he was going to his crop field.

The police had recovered his half-charred body and arrested 14 accused in connection with the murder.