Bhubaneswar: A 50-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death and his body burnt by a group of villagers over suspicion of practising sorcery in Gajapati district of Odisha.

The incident took place at Merama village under the Mohana police station limits. The deceased has been identified as Ramachandra Malik.

According to reports, villagers used to suspect Ramachandra of practising sorcery whenever someone died in the village. The suspicion intensified after the deaths of a woman and a two-month-old baby in the area.

Ramachandra had been living with his family on a nearby hill for several years due to the villagers' suspicion against him.

On Saturday night, some villagers went to the hill and brought Ramachandra to the village. Following a village meeting, he was assaulted and beaten to death. His body was then taken to a nearby forest and set on fire.

Ramachandra's wife, who tried to intervene and save him during the attack, sustained injuries.

After receiving information about the incident, Mohana police launched an investigation and traced the spot where the body was burnt. Police recovered bones and ashes from the site.

At least five people have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those involved.