Daijiworld Media Network - Palamu

Palamu, Feb 1: A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death by unidentified assailants on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand’s Palamu district, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred late Saturday night in the Panki police station limits. The couple’s minor daughter sustained serious injuries in the attack and has been admitted to a government hospital for treatment.

Police said the bodies of the deceased were recovered from their house on Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.

The bodies were sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.

“Initial investigation suggests that the murders are linked to suspicion of witchcraft,” said Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj.

A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest those involved in the brutal killings, police added.