A chilling incident of mob violence has shaken the Nuapada district of Odisha, leaving a 50-year-old man fighting for his life.
Kham Singh Majhi, a resident of Portipada village, was brutally attacked and set on fire by villagers who accused him of practicing black magic.
On Friday evening, Majhi was summoned to a meeting convened by the villagers, where he was charged with the alleged crime. Majhi was tied with straw ropes and set ablaze as punishment.
The horrific scene unfolded as Majhi ran from house to house, screaming in agony, only to be met with indifference by the very people who were supposed to be his neighbors.
With no one coming to his aid, Majhi desperately jumped into a nearby pond to escape the flames. His family eventually rescued him and rushed him to the Sinapalli government hospital, where his condition was deemed critical. He was later transferred to the district headquarters hospital.
Majhi’s son, Hemlal, recounted the traumatic events, alleging, “The villagers had called a meeting and threatened my father with dire consequences for performing black magic. As he denied the charges, they first beat him up and then set him on fire.”
The police have registered a case at the Sinapalli police station and launched a search for the accused. However, most of the villagers have fled their homes, making the investigation more challenging.
Arup Behera, SDPO of Khariar, stated, “As per the allegation, an attempt was made to burn him alive. The investigation is now at the preliminary stage. We will ascertain the reason for the attack only after a thorough probe.”
This heinous act highlights the darker aspects of mob mentality and the dangers of vigilantism. The authorities must ensure swift justice and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
