VISAKHAPATNAM: In a shocking incident, a 55-year-old tribal man was beaten and burnt alive by a group of persons under suspicion of being a Tonhi - a man involved in witchcraft practices - at Puttabandha village under Dumbribuda police station limits in

. The deceased was identified as Killo

, a farmer by profession.

Though the incident took place on Tuesday evening, it came to light on Wednesday evening only after the family members the victim Jayaram lodged a police complaint.

Sub-inspector of police, L Himagiri said that the things turned worse for Jayaram when a few days back a girl died of ill-health and recently a 10-year-old girl in their village fell sick due to vector-borne diseases. The family members of the girl suspected that Jayaram was working spells on the girl to make her sick.

A few days back, the villagers conducted a Panchayat in the village on the issue and the family members of the girl blamed Jayaram was responsible for the girl’s illness and they branded Jayaram as a witch.

On Tuesday evening, a five-member group, all are relatives of the 10-year-old girl, beaten Jayaram mercilessly and they set fire to Jayaram with petrol. Jayaram was killed in the incident whereas his family members were also beaten by the five members.

We have registered a case on Wednesday and investigation is on to nab the accused persons, the police said.