Cuttack: A horrific case of vigilantism has emerged from Odisha’s Cuttack district, where a violent mob dragged a man from his home, beat him to death under the suspicion of practicing black magic, and subsequently incinerated his body to destroy evidence. Local law enforcement officials confirmed on Wednesday that 25 individuals have been arrested in connection with the brutal assault.
The fatal incident occurred on the night of May 10 in Talamunduli village, under the jurisdiction of the Maniabandha police station, during local Chandan Yatra celebrations. However, the matter only came to light days later when the victim’s father, Sweta Behera, discovered the killing and lodged a formal First Information Report on Monday night. According to the complaint, the deceased, identified as Tikima Behera, had been residing with his elder brother and sister-in-law since his wife left him seven years ago. Reports indicate that while family members witnessed the mob dragging the victim away, they initially remained silent out of severe fear of retaliation from the unified village.
Following the formal police complaint, the Cuttack (Rural) police launched a swift operation, leading to the mass arrests on Tuesday. Investigators have since recovered the partially burnt remains and bones of the deceased from the area. Addressing media representatives, Cuttack (Rural) Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal stated that three specialized tactical teams have been established to thoroughly investigate the conspiracy, adding that one of the detained suspects has already provided a full confession during custodial interrogation.
