Badagada, Dhanapur (Ganjam) July 11 (UDN): Police have arrested seven persons for allegedly targeting and harassing a family over suspicions of practising witchcraft in Odisha’s Ganjam district, highlighting the continued prevalence of superstition in rural areas despite repeated awareness campaigns.

The incident occurred in Dhanapur village under Badagada police station limits, where the family of Kailash Gouda had reportedly been facing social ostracism and intimidation after some villagers accused them of practising witchcraft.

According to police, the administration had earlier intervened after receiving complaints and conducted an anti-superstition awareness programme in the village to educate residents and dispel misconceptions. However, the campaign failed to ease tensions, with some villagers allegedly engaging in heated arguments with officials during the programme.

The situation escalated a few days later when a group of villagers allegedly locked the family’s house, preventing them from accessing their home.

Acting on a complaint lodged by Kailash Gouda’s wife, a police team, accompanied by two platoons of security personnel, rushed to the village. The operation was led by the Inspector-in-Charge of Badagada Police Station, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Aska and the local Tahsildar.

Officials unlocked the house, restored possession to the family and brought the situation under control.

Police subsequently arrested seven persons allegedly involved in the incident. All the accused have been produced before a local court, while further investigation is underway to ascertain the role of others involved.

Expressing concern over the incident, Sorada Tahsildar Gopalkrushna Routray said it was disturbing that belief in witchcraft continues to fuel social tensions even today.

“It is unfortunate that people still believe in witchcraft in 2026. We held multiple rounds of discussions and awareness programmes to convince the villagers, but some refused to listen. The situation eventually led to a law-and-order problem, following which legal action was taken. Seven persons have been arrested and forwarded to court,” he said.

The incident comes amid continued efforts by the Odisha government and law enforcement agencies to curb crimes linked to superstition and promote scientific awareness in rural communities.