Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: An 81-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death on suspicion of practicing sorcery at Shundhipadar village under the Ambadla police limits in Odisha’s Rayagada district late on Monday night. The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of superstition-linked violence in rural areas.

The deceased has been identified as Chichi Ram Bag. According to preliminary reports, he was brutally attacked by one or more persons and sustained severe head injuries. Bag reportedly died on the spot due to the impact of the assault, leaving his family and villagers in shock.

Following the incident, family members of the deceased approached the Ambadla police station and lodged a formal complaint. Acting on the information, police immediately rushed to the village, secured the spot, and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing. The body was sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Local sources indicated that there had been earlier disputes in the village, with Bag allegedly being accused of practicing sorcery. Police suspect that these long-standing tensions may have led to the violent act.

Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend those involved. Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.

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