Cuttack: In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death while the body was burnt by villagers on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Talamundali under Badamba block of Odisha’s Cuttack district. Police have arrested at least 25 persons in connection with the case.

The deceased has been identified as Tikam Behera. According to reports, some villagers suspected Tikam of practising black magic and blamed him for problems faced by several families in the village.

The incident reportedly took place on the night of May 10. Around 11 pm, a group of villagers allegedly dragged Tikam out of his house and held a meeting in the village. During the gathering, he was brutally assaulted. After allegedly beating him to death, the accused persons took the body into a nearby forest and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The matter initially remained unknown. However, after reports of the incident circulated on social media, Tikam’s father lodged a complaint at Maniabandha police station.

Following the complaint, Maniabandha police conducted raids at different locations and arrested 25 persons. Police suspect the involvement of more villagers, while several accused are reportedly absconding.

A police team visited the spot and collected skeletal remains and other evidence.

Police said the details of the murder emerged after the arrest of an accused, identified as Alok Dehuri (30), who revealed the sequence of events during interrogation.