Widow attacked

BARIPADA: A widow was brutally attacked by a fellow villager in Badapurunapani village of Mayurbhanj district for allegedly practising  witchcraft. While the widow with severe stabbing injuries on her head is struggling for life at Manada hospital, Bisoi police arrested the accused on Friday. A fortnight back, a minor was arrested by Bisoi police for killing an old woman suspecting her to be a witch.Quoting the accused Mangal Soren (40), police said Mukta had allegedly threatened him with dire consequences following a scuffle over collection of corn from the field, six months back.“His 18-month-old son fell ill last week and showed no signs of improvement. And this made him suspicious,” said Bisoi IIC D K Sahu. Suspecting Mukta of performing witchcraft on his son, Mangal went to her house on Thursday. He attacked Mukta with a billhook while she was collecting cow dung. The police have seized the weapon used in the crime. Mangal was produced in the court and remanded in judicial custody, police said.