Villagers thrash three on suspicion of black magic in Kothagudem

A violent incident unfolded in Nandipadu village of Kothagudem district, where three individuals were attacked by a mob over allegations of practising black magic. The villagers blamed the trio for unexplained deaths in the area and claimed prior warnings were ignored.

Kothagudem: An incident of villagers attacking three persons on suspicion of practising black magic came to light on Tuesday at Nandipadu in Aswaraopet mandal of the district.

The villagers suspected that three families were indulging in black magic and occult rituals, and blamed them for several sudden deaths that occurred in the village over the past two years.

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On Friday night, the villagers united and assaulted Payam Venkatesh, Madakam Rangaiah and Derangula Diwakar. Rangaiah’s arm was fractured, Venkatesh was seriously injured, while Diwakar managed to escape. The mob also vandalised their houses and destroyed their belongings.

The villagers claimed they had earlier warned the trio against practising black magic at a panchayat held in the presence of elders, but they continued their activities, which provoked the attack.

The victims, however, denied the allegations, stating they performed only regular poojas. Narrating the ordeal, Diwakar said villagers urinated on them and beat them severely.

He further alleged that the assault was led by Akkala Gopi, Enumula Veeradri and Enumula Venkatesh, along with several others, and that the victims were warned against staying in the village.

Following a complaint lodged by Diwakar on Tuesday, police registered a case against the accused and launched an investigation. Meanwhile, several villagers gathered at the Aswaraopet police station, extending solidarity with the accused.