In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old man was allegedly lynched and burnt alive at Shamirpet, in the outskirts Hyderabad, by a mob on suspicion that he performed black magic. According to the police, family members of K Lakshmi, a woman who died on Tuesday due to ill health, suspected that the victim, B Anjaneyulu, an auto driver, could have performed black magic on her leading to her death. The incident took place in Adrasapalle village.

Police said that Anjaneyulu and Lakshmi were neighbours, and for the past five years Lakshmi was suffering ill health and availing treatment at Osmania General Hospital. However, she died on Tuesday, following which her funeral was conducted on Wednesday.

According to locals, Anjaneyulu and his father were known to allegedly practise witchcraft, and Lakshmi’s family members always suspected the duo for Lakshmi’s poor health.

On Wednesday, Anjaneyulu reportedly came to attend Lakshmi’s funeral. Furious over his presence, Lakshmi’s brother-in-law Balram and other family members allegedly attacked Anjaneyulu with axes and sickles, and further threw him into Lakshmi’s funeral pyre.

Police learnt about the incident around 9 pm the same day. Subsequently they began their investigation and cordoned off the crime scene. Soon, Anjaneyulu’s brother also approached the Shamirpet police station claiming that his brother was missing.

On Thursday morning, dog squad, CLUES team and a police team led by DCP Padmaja Reddy visited the graveyard.

Police found a bloodstained spot in the graveyard and recovered a handkerchief from the scene. They also collected bones from the pyre and sent them for forensic analysis.

Speaking to the media, the DCP said, “At the crime scene we spotted a bloodstained area and a handkerchief. The CLUES team has collected all the materials from the scene. Teams have been formed to nab Balram, who is absconding, for further investigation.”