Old tribal woman killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft

Baripada (Orissa), Jan 14 (PTI) An old tribal womanwas hacked to death allegedly by her nephew today on thesuspicion of performing witchcraft in Orissa''s Mayurbhanjdistrict, police said.

Chandu Hansda (32) allegedly beheaded Phulamani Hansda(50) with an axe at Bazarguda village under Jharpokhria policestation area, about 60 km from here, they said.

The accused was going to Jharpokhria with the victim''ssevered head when residents of the nearby village caught himand handed him over to the police.

Chandu suspected that the recent death of his son andthe illness of another child was due to witchcraft by hisaunt, police said.