Visakhapatnam: Six days after a couple was hacked to death in Chinarajapuram village under Kotturu mandal in Srikakulam district, the police arrested the accused, Savara Thotayya. The incident, which occurred on April 28, has sent shockwaves through the tribal community.
Details of the Incident
The victims, Savara Illango, 55, and his wife Savara Jyothi, 50, were attacked with sharp weapons by Thotayya, who suspected them of practising witchcraft. According to police, Thotayya's 2-year-old daughter had been suffering from an illness for several months. Believing that Illango was using black magic to cause her sickness, Thotayya developed a grudge and decided to take revenge.
Investigation and Arrest
After the murder, Thotayya fled the scene. The son of the deceased couple filed a complaint, prompting the police to register a case and launch a manhunt. The accused was apprehended six days later. Police officials stated that they are continuing to investigate the motive and any possible accomplices.
Awareness Campaigns Against Witchcraft
The police have been conducting village meetings to educate residents about the dangers of superstition and witchcraft accusations. Such beliefs often lead to violence in remote areas. Authorities urge villagers to seek medical help for illnesses rather than resorting to supernatural explanations.
This case highlights the persistent issue of witch-hunting in rural India, where traditional healers and innocent people are often targeted. The legal system has been working to curb these practices through stricter laws and awareness programs.
