(Updated) An 86-year-old man was burnt alive over witchcraft allegation in Hetauda-8, Makawanpur, on January 13. Investigation has revealed that Hasta Bahadur Magar was set on fire by his neighbour, Krishna Bahadur Magar, over a superstitious idea. Police said murder accused Krishna Bahadur was convinced he had been getting skin rashes because Hasta Bahadur put a black spell on him. And when a Kathmandu-based astrologer told Krishna Bahadur that an old shaman in his neighbourhood was responsible for his skin disease, he went on to commit the crime. A few years ago, Krishna Bahadur had also tried to attack Hasta Bahadur’s son, Bir Bahadur. After that incident, Bir Bahadur left the village, leaving behind his old father. Police said Krishna Bahadur went to visit Hasta Bahadur at his house on the evening of January 13, carrying petrol that he had bought in the morning. In his statement to police, Krishna Bahadur confessed that he splashed the petrol on Hasta Bahadur and set him on fire. Initially, the locals had assumed that Hasta Bahadur had died an accident while trying to make a fire. Update.................. Makawanpur police on Thursday paraded a person for his alleged involvement in the murder of an elderly. The arrested has been identified as Krishna Bahadur Magr, 65. Elderly Hasta Bahadur Kalikote Magar, 86, was charred to death after his house caught fire on January 14. He had been living alone in his home. Police investigation showed that Krishna Bahadur had murdered Hasta Bahadur accusing the latter of casting an evil spell and making him sick. Inspector Surakshya KC said Krishna Bahadur has admitted to killing the elderly. SP Mira Chaudhary said that Krishna Bahadur had set Hasta Bahadur’s house on fire.