Balasore, Oct 13: A 52-year-old woman from Mallichua village in Balasore district, Odisha, passed away at SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack, 20 days after she was allegedly chained to a tree by villagers on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

The deceased, Tuni Singh, was part of a tribal family and was reportedly attacked on September 21, along with her brother-in-law, Chaita Singh, and his wife, Muni Singh. Villagers accused Chaita of engaging in sorcery while performing a ritual at his home. The accusations led to a violent mob attack, where Chaita was dragged outside, beaten, and chained to a tree. When Tuni and Muni tried to intervene, they too were assaulted and reportedly tied to the same tree.

A complaint was filed by Gobinda Singh, Chaita’s nephew, prompting the police to intervene. However, villagers reportedly blocked the police’s entry to the area by placing timber logs on the road. Chaita received initial treatment at Soro Community Health Centre (CHC) before being transferred to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Tuni Singh, whose condition deteriorated, was later moved to SCB Medical College & Hospital, but despite medical care, she succumbed to her injuries on October 11.

Following her death, the Soro police arrested five individuals involved in the assault. After a post-mortem on Sunday, Tuni Singh’s body was returned to Mallichua village for her last rites, which were conducted under police supervision. Authorities have heightened security in the area and are keeping a close watch on the situation as investigations continue.

Tags: Witchcraft