Khallikote: A man identified as 57-year-old Sahadev Pradhan was allegedly tied to an electricity utility pole today by some locals suspecting him to be a sorcerer at Kalenjipalli village of Chikili panchayat under Khallikote police limits in Ganjam. Police have arrested seven persons in this connection.

Due to the prompt action of the police, a mob lynching could be averted and the wrongdoers arrested.

According to a police source, one Bideshi Pradhan’s son named Sukamuni (7) died from a fever a few days ago. Some villagers then suspected that Sahadev had done witchcraft to kill the boy. They were even abetting Bideshi to take revenge against the victim man. Sahadev was intercepted in the morning when he was on his way elsewhere to attend to nature’s call.

Sahadev was picked up by Madan Pradhan, Nandi Pradhan, Amin Pradhan, Mohan Pradhan, Bideshi Pradhan, Narayan Pradhan and Tukuna Pradhan belonging to the same village.

The seven accused tied Sahadev to a pole, which was informed to the police by the victim’s family.

Police have registered a case and initiated a probe, which is underway.