Balangir: A married couple was found dead at a forest near Chitikmal village under Larambha police limits in Odisha's Balangir district, today.

The deceased have been identified as Chintamani Bariha and his wife Rukmini Bariha. The bodies were found packed in a sack.

Police officials, including Balangir SP, reached the spot and initiated investigation. Though the exact reason behind the deaths is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that the duo was murdered by some villagers over suspicion of practicing sorcery.

According to reports, Chintamani had recently lodged a complaint with Larambha police alleging that he was being scolded and thrashed by villagers. A child of the village had died few days ago and the villagers were suspecting that witchcraft by Chintamani led to the death. A dispute was prevailing between the villagers and Chintamani over the matter, reports added.