Hyderabad: Man attacked for black magic practice, dies

Hyderabad: An 85-year-old man, who was attacked by villagers for allegedly performing black magic, died at a government hospital on Monday. The incident happened three days ago at Dilwarpur in Yadadri Bhongir district, about 80 kms from Hyderabad.

According to the Motakondur police, Seelam Yadagiri (85), a native of Dilawarpur was reportedly performing black magic for a long time. He is survived by three sons, two of whom live in Dilawarpur and the third lives in Aler. His wife died a few years ago. Yadagiri stayed alone while his sons lived separately. His sons did occasional farming. Yadagiri used to stay for a month at each of his son’s houses and for the rest of the year he used to live alone.

Three days ago, a group of villagers went to Yadagiri’s house and attacked him alleging that he had performed black magic on a family causing the death of two persons. Following the attack, the police admitted Yadagiri to an area government hospital for treatment where he died on Monday, the police said.

Motakondur sub-inspector D Madhu said, “Three days ago, one Rajesh, a resident of Dilawarpur along with some locals and relatives gathered at Yadagiri’s house. They alleged that Yadagiri was responsible for the death of Rajesh’s mother and father, who had died about six months and eight months ago respectively due to ill-health. Rajesh believed that Yadagiri had performed black magic on his family.”

The inspector said that the injured octogenarian died at around 3.20 am on Monday while undergoing treatment. A case of murder has been registered against the mob including Rajesh. The police are carrying out investigations to nab the absconding accused. 

“The group of people was less than 10 in number. A few have been identified while the others are yet to be. We are looking for them,” said Madhu.