Rayagada: A 70-year-old woman, who had sustained critical injuries after allegedly being attacked by two unidentified men over sorcery suspicion, died while undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
The victim has been identified as Khalimani Jani, a resident of Mankadajhola village near Rayagada town.
As per reports, two men identified as Balu Jhodia and Beju Jani allegedly went to Khalimani’s house on Saturday night and asked her to come out on some pretext. When she went out of the house, they allegedly forcibly beat and stabbed her before dumping her near a riverbank. Villagers took the profusely bleeding Khalimani to Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) initially. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to MKCG MCH.
The accused Balu had lost his daughter-in-law and nephew a few months ago due to illness some months back. However, the incident sparked a feud with Balu’s family accusing Khalimani of being responsible for the deaths. Balu had even assaulted Khalimani, said sources.
Meanwhile, Rayagada Town police arrested Beju Jani in connection with the case, while Balu Jhodia is still at large. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
