Odisha: 26 arrested for killing man over witchcraft suspicion in Cuttack
Twenty-six villagers have been arrested in Cuttack, Odisha, for the murder of a man suspected of witchcraft. Tikan Behera was allegedly abducted, beaten to death, and his body burned to destroy evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and police have recovered charred remains believed to be Behera's.
- ▪The incident occurred on May 10, when Tikan Behera was taken from his home and killed in a nearby forest.
- ▪Villagers had long suspected Behera of practicing witchcraft, leading to disputes and altercations.
- ▪Police discovered evidence of the crime after social media posts raised concerns about Behera's disappearance.
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Odisha: 26 arrested for killing man over witchcraft suspicion in CuttackPolice said the deceased, Tikan Behera, was allegedly dragged from his home on May 10, beaten to death in a nearby forest and later burned in an attempt to destroy evidence.Published on: May 20, 2026 4:58 PM ISTBy Debabrata Mohanty, BhubaneswarShare viaCopy link Police have arrested 26 villagers from Talamundali Sabarsahi in Cuttack district of Odisha, nine days after a 30-year-old man was beaten to death over suspicion of witchcraft in a nearby forest and his body was later set ablaze, police said.Police said Behera was abducted from his residence around 11 pm on May 10Police said the deceased, Tikan Behera, was allegedly dragged from his home on May 10, beaten to death in a nearby forest and later burned in an…
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