The victim was identified as Dasrath, son of Jalestry Parabhoi of Jhalipadar village, and his body was found floating in a pond in Gandhrabadh, a police officer said.
While police arrested Bankane Behera and Hrushikesh Dash, two other persons were detained by the police. Dash was a tantrik (black magician).
"Bankae Behera has confessed to having killed the child in order to ward off evil powers. He was suggested by a tantrik to sacrifice a child to get rid of evil power on him," said Dilip Kumar Purohit, SDPO, Titlagarh.
On Saturday morning, some villagers of Gandhrabadh found Dasrath's body floating in a pond and informed Bangomunda police.
Based on the statement of boy's mother, police nabbed the four persons.