Trio beat couple to death, assault pregnant daughter on suspicion of black magic

Vadodara: A couple was killed and their pregnant daughter was also assaulted on the suspicion that they practised black magic at Bhilva village in Garbada tehsil of Dahod district, about 150 km from here, police said.

The incident took place yesterday. The accused, distant relations of the victim family, were on the run, said sub-inspector K B Katara, the investigating officer.

The accused were identified as Bandiya Sangadia, Shailesh Sangadia and K Hatia.

The trio allegedly attacked Kanubhai Sangadia, his wife Jenuben and their pregnant daughter Shardaben, Katara said.

A case of murder was registered at the Garbada police station.

The accused held the victim family responsible for the death of Kalubhai, Bandiya's grand-nephew, last month, suspecting that Jenuben had performed 'black magic' on him.

They allegedly thrashed the victims with sticks yesterday, killing the couple and injuring Shardaben grievously. Shardaben was admitted to a hospital at Dahod.

She named the three accused in her statement to the police. Police are searching for the trio.