Chaibasa (Jharkhand), May 20 (IANS) A 55-year-old woman was allegedly murdered on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, officials said on Wednesday, adding that one accused has been arrested and a hunt for others has been launched.

The incident occurred in Bundukocha forest village under Sonua police station limits. The deceased has been identified as Chandu Purti, a resident of Baibera village.

According to police, she was brutally killed by slitting her throat with a sharp-edged weapon. The accused later disposed of the body in a forest gorge in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The incident came to light on Tuesday after villagers noticed a foul smell emanating from the forest area and alerted the police. Acting on the information, a police team reached the spot and recovered the body from a gorge located around 200 metres from the victim’s house.

During the investigation, police arrested 26-year-old Premjit Banra, a resident of Pansuan village, on Wednesday.

During interrogation, accused Premjit Banra reportedly disclosed the names of three other persons involved in the crime. Police said teams are conducting raids to apprehend the absconding accused.

According to police, the accused suspected the woman of practising witchcraft as his wife had been ill for a prolonged period and was not recovering. Acting on this suspicion, he, along with others, allegedly killed the woman.

Locals said the incident took place on Sunday evening, following which the accused dumped the body in the forest.

The Station House Officer of Sonua police station said the body has been sent to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital for post-mortem.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the full conspiracy and the roles of the other accused. Police are also questioning the deceased’s family members and villagers in connection with the case.

–IANS

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