Two killed for witchcraft

hacked to death by villagers for allegedly practising black magic at Palashbari village on the outskirts of Malda town, the police said today.

Brothers - Baishalu Pahari (35) and Sanu Pahari (32) - were killed last night by tribal villagers after they blamed the duo of practising black magic and spreading diseases, police said.

A total of 35 families of Paharia tribe live in the village, sources said.

The duo were small traders and relatively well-to-do in the village, the police said.

Three persons were detained in connection with the killing, the police said.