Odisha couple ostracized from village over ‘sorcery’

Jajpur: In yet another instance of injustice delivered at a Kangaroo court in Odisha, a married couple was ostracized from the village for allegedly practising sorcery and warned of a death sentence if they return home.

The incident was reported from Natore village under Kalipani police limits of Jajpur district where Punta Murmu and Thakura Murmu were forcefully driven out from their residence as well as the village.

Shockingly, the couple’s elder son Hadibandhu Murmu and his wife came out in support of the Kangaroo court’s judgment.

According to reports, the Murmu couple faced wrath from the villagers after a person identified as Rabi Soren (46), who is suffering from oral cancer, alleged them of practising sorcery that led to his health condition serious.

After he spread such rumour in the village, the couple left their home six months ago and was taking shelter in Sukinda area.

When Murmu and his wife returned home a week ago, an urgent meeting was convened at the village where they were convicted. The village court directed them to leave the place with a warning to set them on fire if they return to the village.