Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: In a shocking incident, a 72-year-old man was allegedly murdered by two individuals over suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Chandaka, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

Police said the crime occurred nearly a month ago but came to light only on Friday after the man’s skeletal remains were discovered inside the Chandaka forest sanctuary area.

The deceased has been identified as Balram Deogam, whose identity was confirmed by his son based on a neck ornament found near the skeleton, according to Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh.

Deogam had gone missing on the night of September 30 after leaving home to guard his agricultural field. Following his disappearance, a search was launched but yielded no results until the grim discovery on Friday.

Investigations revealed that the accused killed Deogam, buried his body in the forest, and disposed of his belongings in a nearby pond.

“Both the accused have confessed to the crime during interrogation,” a police official confirmed.

Police have arrested the two accused and further investigation is underway.