Baripada: A woman sustained critical injuries after allegedly being shot at by a person over sorcery suspicion at Talakbadi village under Bisoi police limits in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, last night.

The victim, identified as Maeen Hembram (42), has been admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital here for treatment.

According to reports, a 17-year-old son of Maeen's brother-in-law Thalkhan Hembram had died a year ago and the deceased's father was suspecting that witchcraft by the woman led to the death. A dispute was prevailing between Maeen and Thalkhan over the matter.

Last night, Rupai Majhi, a relative of Thalkhan, opened fire at the woman when she was sleeping. She sustained bullet injuries on her head and was rescued by her family members who rushed her to hospital. The kin of the victim also nabbed Rupai.

On the other hand, police have started investigation into the incident and detained Rupai for questioning.