Senior citizen murdered over witchcraft suspicion in Akola

Akola: A 65-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death over suspicions of witchcraft at his residene in Vyala Peth of Balapur taluka on Wednesday. Police have arrested the accused.Police said the accused, Sudhakar Gadge, reached the house of victim, Haridas Pandurang Wanare, around 10am armed with a wooden stick. He forcefully entered the house, accusing Wanare of performing witchcraft on his wife and ruining his life.Gadge allegedly threatened to kill Wanare and repeatedly struck him on the head with the stick. Wanare collapsed on the spot and succumbed to head injuries.The complaint was filed by Wanare's wife Rukhmina (60) at Balapur police station. Police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 333 and 103(1)(3), related to grievous assault and murder.Balapur police station in-charge Prakash Jhodage said investigation is underway.