A tragic incident has unfolded in Merma village, located within the jurisdiction of the Mohana police station in Gajapati district, Odisha. In a horrifying act fueled by superstition, local villagers lured a man out of his home late at night, ultimately leading to his murder and the burning of his remains. His wife sustained serious injuries while attempting to rescue him.

The victim, identified as Ramachandra Mallick from Merma village, had moved away from the community a decade ago and was residing with his family in a hut on a nearby hill.

Ramachandra reportedly had no conflicts with the villagers. However, a series of untimely deaths in Merma village recently sparked superstitions, causing the residents to suspect that Ramachandra was practicing witchcraft and harming others.

In light of these suspicions, a group of villagers devised a plan. They visited Ramachandra’s hilltop hut late one night, claiming they needed to discuss an urgent matter in the village. Once he arrived, they allegedly ambushed him as part of a premeditated scheme, attacking him with sticks and rods.

His wife, Lilabati Mallick, heard her husband’s cries for help and rushed to intervene, pleading for his life. Unfortunately, the mob disregarded her and also assaulted her, leaving her severely injured.

Following the brutal attack, Ramachandra succumbed to his injuries. His assailants then attempted to conceal their crime by transporting his body to a nearby tree at the foot of the hill, where they set it ablaze.

Upon receiving reports of this atrocity, Mohana police quickly arrived at the scene to begin their investigation. They located the site where the body had been burned and collected ashes and other evidence.

Authorities have detained several villagers believed to be involved in the crime for questioning, while Lilabati has been taken for medical treatment. The police are continuing their investigation into this serious case.