Koraput: A 40-year-old man, Bhim Naik, was allegedly murdered in Nuaguda village, Bodaput panchayat, under Baipariguda police limits in Koraput district over suspicions of practicing black magic. Two villagers, Baldev Mundagudiya (21) and Bhagwan Gadba (22), have been arrested in connection with the crime.
According to reports, the accused confessed to the murder during a crime scene recreation by the police, stating that they believed Bhim Naik’s alleged witchcraft was causing harm to the village. They claimed that his supposed practices had led to the deaths of three villagers, the illness of several others, and the deaths of livestock within the past year.
The accused reportedly devised a plan to kill Bhim Naik. On October 22, as Bhim was returning home after a puja at Genderguda, they confronted him on the road. They allegedly attacked him, first smashing his head with a stone and then hacking him with an axe. Finally, they beheaded him and buried the remains atop a nearby hill.
The incident came to light when Bhim’s wife, Danai Naik, lodged a complaint at the Baipariguda police station, prompting an investigation. Police subsequently arrested Baldev Mundagudiya and Bhagwan Gadba.
