Berhampur: Kharipali,the village under Baharpur panchayat in Dharakote block of Ganjam district,though has a population of over 500 persons,now presents a deserted look,as most of the malefolk left their homes to avoid police arrest.The village witnessed a group clash on tuesday evening,resulted death of three persons and injury to another three persons experienced the death of three persons.Police identified the deceased as Khadala Behera (60), his son Ratnakar Behera (30) and one Ramesh Behera (45).The clash was related to sorcery practice and a man and his son,who were ostracised by the villager were killed,besides a villager too killed.Though,the villagers took the injured co-villagers to Dharakote hospital,but the bodies of the father and son duo left in the village.Soon after the incident police reached the spot,but the villagers didnot allowed them to enter the village till mid-night,when the senior officers with two platoon armed force reached.Yesterday,autopsy of the three bodies were conducted and while the body of Ramesh taken to the village and cremated,none was there for the bodies for the father and son duo.Since,there is posibility of escalation of tension,the bodies of the duo reportedly burnt by the administration Near Berhampur.In relating to the group clash,two cases has been registered at Dharakote and a total of 14 persons,13 on yesterday and another one has been arrested today,said Ganjam SP,Subhendu kumar patra.He said investigation is on and some more persons likely to be arrested,besides claimed the situation is under control.Sources said,in 2020,some persons in the village died in diarrhoea and subsequently some young girls behaved abnormaly,what has forced the villagers these are due to black magic.Subsequently the villagers suspected that Khadal was prcticing sorcery.After some days,the villagers ostracised the family of Khadal and Banabasi behera in the village.However,Khadal and Banabasi stayed in the village.Some days of ostracisation the wife of Khadal died and Khadal with his aged father Gopinath(90)and four sons living in the village.Later all the four sons of Khadal got married and while three elder sons with their wifes left for Surat,the youngest son ratnakar with his wife stays with his father and grand father.Similarly the borther and son of Banabasi too left for Surat and Banabasi with his wife stayed in the village.After the clash on tuesday night,fearing attack,Banabasi with his wife left his home and staying near Badagada PS.However,now ailing Gopinath with his grand daughtger in law still in the village,but both are living in constant fear.Though so far,the three sons and brother and son of Banabasi staying at Surat not returned to the village,but their return is immenenent to participate the death rituals,during which unpleasant situation likely to be arised opined the residents of near by villages.When asked about Banabasi family,the SP said,there was no dispute with the family.It was with the father and son. They’re free to stay in their house. We will provide sufficient police presence wherever required.
