Witchcraft row: Police firing kills 2

Two persons were killed and 17 injured in Ganjam district of Orissa when police opened fire to disperse a violent mob that had tonsured four men and a woman on the allegation of practising witchcraft.

Two persons were killed and 17 injured in Ganjam district of Orissa when police opened fire to disperse a violent mob that had tonsured four men and a woman on the allegation of practising witchcraft.

Ganjam District Collector Krishan Kumar said the mob in Phasipada village under Kodala police station had refused to allow the police to arrest the villagers who had allegedly fed excreta to the five victims and tonsured them.

Yesterday,the villagers had tonsured them and pulled out their teeth accusing them of practising witchcraft. They were also forcefully fed excreta. It was inhuman, Kumar said.

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On Saturday one of the victims escaped and informed the police. When the police reached the village to arrest the accused,the villagers opposed their entry.

Officials said the villagers accuse the five of performing black magic and believe it has brought ill luck to Phasipada.

The police claim to have opened fire after a lathicharge and teargas proved ineffective in dispersing the mob.

Two persons,Purna Pala and Rabindra Pala,in their forties,died in the firing. Most of the injured were admitted to the local hospital at Kodala,while those with serious injuries were taken to MKCG Medical College Hospital.

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Ganjam district

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