Thane Sarki, 58 of Thumi6 has been hacked to death by Hira Bahadur Sarki, 41 of same place by attacking the former with an axe on March 13.

The accused had killed Thane, who had been sleeping at his house, on the allegation that the former fell sick as the latter practiced 'wizardry' on him at 11 am, said Mangale Sarki, son of the deceased.

Hira Bahadur had been threating to kill Thane and his wife Lati Sarki on the allegation of practicing 'witchcraft' time and again, Lutra Bahadur Baram, a local said.    

"Hira Bahdur, who had fled to jungle after attacking Thane with axe, was taken into control by the locals after some time," said Baram. Thane had spot death. The incident occurred when Thane's wife, daughter-in-law and son were absent in the house, Sukmaya Gurung, another local said.

Thane was killed on the allegation of practicing 'witchcraft', Puspa Malla, inspector at Arughat Area Police Office said, adding that Hira Bahadur was arrested same day.

The accused has admitted his involvement in the incident during a primary investigation, police added. <