Old couple branded as witches, killed

An old couple was killed at Daridih Gidhrail Kona village in Simdega district after being branded as witches, police said today.
75-year-old Hari Sai and his wife Dayamani Devi (62) were killed with a sharp weapon yesterday, when the country was observing the Independence day, Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Ranjan said.
The couple's 19-year-old daughter Ameena Kumari had been to her elder sister's place in Bangaon while their 14-year-old son Shravan Kumar, a STD VIII student, was taking part in the flag hoisting ceremony in his school, he said.
Inquiries revealed a neighbour of the victims had entered into argument with them some days back blaming the woman of practising black magic on his family and her husband of instigating her, the SP said.

On August 7, five women were killed in Ranchi district by villagers on charge of practicing witchcraft.