The incident occurred on the night of November 4, when police received information that a man’s body was found lying on the Gumadpal–Kelaur road. Initially, police suspected that the man had died in a road accident. During investigation, the deceased was identified as Kamlu Poyami, a resident of Chhote Bodenar. The next day, Kamlu’s brother, Sukhram Poyami, filed an FIR.
Murder suspicion and police probe
After examining the body, police suspected foul play. They began a detailed inquiry in the village and detained several relatives for questioning. During interrogation, suspicion deepened on Hidma Poyami and his daughter-in-law, Palo Poyami. When interrogated strictly, both confessed to plotting the murder.
Murder driven by superstition
According to the police, Hidma and Palo believed that Kamlu was performing witchcraft (black magic) that was bringing misfortune to their family. After repeated illnesses and deaths in the family, they became convinced Kamlu was the cause. Driven by superstition, they decided to eliminate him and offered their relative, Praveen Madkam alias Sunil alias Boke, ₹20,000 to kill Kamlu.
Killed with axe and staged as accident
As planned, Praveen gained Kamlu’s trust, took him on his bike to a deserted spot, and attacked him with an axe, killing him instantly. He then dumped the body on the road to make it appear as if Kamlu had been killed in a vehicular accident.
All three accused arrested
Based on technical evidence and interrogation, police arrested Hidma Poyami, Palo Poyami, and Praveen Madkam. ASP Maheshwar Nag confirmed that all three have been produced in court and remanded to judicial custody.
Superstition claims another life
This case once again exposes the grim reality that beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery continue to dominate thinking in rural areas. In the Bastar region, several innocent people have lost their lives in similar superstition-related incidents over the years. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns by the police and administration, the persistence of such crimes remains a grave concern for society.
