Odisha: 9 arrested in Gunupur triple murder over sorcery

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Mar 1, 2019 at 10:58 AM Updated On : Mar 1, 2019 at 7:01 PM

Rayagada: The Gunupur police of Rayagada district yesterday arrested nine persons in connection with the murder of three persons, including a couple at Ukkamba village under Ramanguda block in Rayagada district on suspicion of practicing witchcraft a few days ago.

Rayagada SP Sarvana Vivek M said acting on a tip-off, police conducted raids in Gudari and Padmapur areas of the district and arrested the nine accused and forwarded them to court.

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During interrogation, it was revealed that the culprits had set the bodies of the trio on fire, around 150 metres away from the village, after killing them in a bid to destroy evidence, said the SP.

On February 23 night, Gopala Sabar (45), his wife Laxmi Sabar (40) and 76-year-old Jangili Sabar of Ukkamba village were beaten to death by a group of locals on suspicion of practicing witchcraft. Later, a complaint was lodged with Gunupur police on February 25, following which the police had registered a case and begun an investigation.