Angul: In a disturbing incident allegedly linked to superstition, a 24-year-old woman was beaten to death by her husband in Angul district.

The deceased, identified as Juli Bhoi, had been married to Deepak Bhoi of the Hindol area for the past year. She had been staying at her maternal uncle’s house in Gurang village since the Savitri festival.

According to a complaint filed by her parents, Krishna Bhoi and Jayanti Bhoi of Baram village, the accused claimed he was possessed by a deity, Mangala Thakurani, before carrying out the assault.

The parents alleged Deepak had assaulted Juli in public on Sunday and Monday, citing divine possession. On Monday night around 11 pm, he allegedly attacked her again, striking her on the chest, stomach, neck, and back. He also reportedly stood on her neck during the assault.

In the early hours around 4 am, the accused allegedly transported her in an autorickshaw to his residence in Hindol and later admitted her to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital.

The victim’s family further alleged the post-mortem examination was conducted without informing them.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.