Bhubaneswar: One person died and four others sustained critical injuries after a group clash broke out between two families at Athagaon within the jurisdiction of the Tusura police station in Balangir district.
The clash, which occurred late Friday night, was reportedly sparked by suspicion of witchcraft practice.
According to sources, a long-standing feud between two families in the village boiled over into violence, which claimed the life of 40-year-old Sushant Bag. Family members of one group allegedly stoned him to death and severed his head from his body.
Four others, believed to be from the same group, sustained severe injuries in the altercation and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Upon being informed, Tusara police rushed to the spot and restored law and order in the village. Police also launched an investigation in this regard.
