Odisha man set on fire after kangaroo court charges with practising black magic

NEW DELHI: A 50-year-old man in Odisha's Nuapada district is in critical condition after villagers allegedly set him on fire, accusing him of practicing black magic. The incident took place in Portipada village on Friday evening, according to police.

Villagers had gathered for a meeting and called Kham Singh Majhi to attend. He was accused of practicing black magic by the community's informal court. The villagers then tied him with straw ropes and set him on fire.

As the fire engulfed him, Majhi ran from house to house seeking help but found none. He eventually jumped into a pond to save himself. Majhi's family rescued him from the pond and took him to Sinapalli government hospital. Due to his critical condition, he was later transferred to the district headquarters hospital.

Majhi’s son, Hemlal, claimed, "The villagers had called a meeting and threatened my father with dire consequences for performing black magic. As he denied the charges, they first beat him up and then set him on fire."

Khariar's Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Arup Behera stated that a case has been registered at Sinapalli police station. Police are searching for the accused, many of whom have fled the village.

Behera mentioned, "As per the allegation, an attempt was made to burn him alive. The investigation is now at the preliminary stage. We will ascertain the reason for the attack only after a thorough probe."
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