72-Year-Old Odisha Man Murdered Over Witchcraft Suspicions: Skeletal Remains Found After Month-Long Mystery

Police have apprehended two individuals for their alleged participation in the homicide of an elderly man in Odisha.

A 72-year-old man was reportedly murdered by two perpetrators who suspected him of engaging in witchcraft, in the Chandaka area near Bhubaneswar, according to police statements released Saturday.

Although the tragic event occurred approximately one month ago, it only came to light when the victim's skeletal remains were discovered within the Chandaka forest sanctuary on Friday, authorities reported.

Law enforcement officials have detained two suspects allegedly involved in the killing.

The victim has been identified as Balram Deogam by his son, who recognized a neck ornament found with the remains, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh informed reporters at a press conference.

The elderly victim had been missing since the evening of September 30, when he left to guard his agricultural field and never returned home, Singh stated.

According to police, the accused allegedly killed Deogam, buried his body in the jungle, and disposed of his belongings in a nearby pond.

"Both suspects have admitted to committing the crime during interrogation," a police officer confirmed.