Unidentified assailants had allegedly barged into the house of 50-year-old Sappo Hembram last night and axed him to death, District Superintendent of Police, Michael Raj S said.
The assailants also killed Sappo's wife Jobna Kui (40) and two minor daughters - Palo Hembram (12) and Nitima Hembram (8) while injuring 13-year-old Sukra Hembram, he said.
The reason behind the killing was suspected to be a land dispute, he said while denying it was a witchcraft related incident.
A case has been registered against unidentified persons following post-mortem of the bodies conducted in the district headquarter Chaibasa today.