UP Village Shock: Man Bludgeoned to Death by Cousin Suspecting Occult Harm

In a tragic incident that unfolded in Bharhki village, a 62-year-old man was fatally attacked by his cousin amidst allegations of occult practices. The event took place on Saturday afternoon, marking a grim day for the local community. According to police reports, the victim, Indrajit Pathak, who had a physical disability, was assaulted while taking a bath near a hand pump outside his residence. His cousin, 54-year-old Mahendra Nath Pathak, is said to have launched the attack using a thick wooden block.

The assault led to Indrajit Pathak falling to the ground, bleeding heavily. The commotion attracted the attention of his daughter Aanchal, who is also physically challenged. Upon her arrival at the scene, the assailant fled. Superintendent of Police Meenakshi Katyayan detailed that both villagers and police personnel quickly responded, rushing Indrajit to the district hospital. Despite being transferred to a trauma centre in Varanasi for further treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

During police interrogation, Mahendra Nath Pathak revealed that he believed his cousin was involved in occult practices with the intention of harming him. He accused Indrajit of performing 'tantra' on his son approximately 14 years ago, which he claimed resulted in his son's death. Despite Mahendra's pleas for Indrajit to cease these practices, his requests were allegedly ignored, leading to the fatal confrontation.

Based on a complaint filed by Aanchal, legal proceedings have been initiated against Mahendra Nath Pathak. He faces charges under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Following these allegations, Mahendra was arrested by the police.

This incident has cast a shadow over Bharhki village, highlighting the deep-seated beliefs in occult practices and their potential to incite violence within communities. The local authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, ensuring that justice is served for the victim and his family.