The K Balang police on Monday arrested three persons of Banko village in Sundargarh district for killing one co-villager Etwa Munda (45) on the suspicion that his witchcraft practice led to death of a five-year-old boy.
The arrested have been identified as main accused Debra Munda (22) and his two aides, Rajesh Munda(31) and Birsa Munda(20). Police recovered Etwa’s body with his face wrapped in a gunny bag from a roadside well on Sunday afternoon. His head was found to have deep cut marks. Etwa performs puja in villages.
Debra confessed that he killed Etwa on Saturday night suspecting him of practicing witchcraft due to which his one five-year-old nephew died eight days ago and another nephew was ailing. Etwa had come to Debra’s house when Rajesh and Birsa were present. Etwa told him that if he (Etwa) wants his second nephew would survive. Hearing this, Debra’s suspicion rose up and he, in fit of rage, brought an axe and hit Etwa’s head. Etwa died on the spot.
Then Debra with the help of Rajesh and Birsa covered Etwa’s face with a gunny bag and threw the body inside the well. “We have arrested all three accused in this case. They will be forwarded to court on Monday evening,” said IIC MR Pradhan.
