India, March 19 -- A 65-year-old man, his 35-year-old son and a 45-year-old man were hacked to death while three others were seriously injured after two groups clashed over witchcraft-related allegations in Ganjam district late on Tuesday.

Police officials said the father-son duo, Khadala Behera (65) and Ratnakar Behera (35), was socially boycotted by the villagers of Kharipalli for the last three years after being accused of practicing witchcraft. The duo, however, continued to live in Kharpalli, but a month ago police force was deployed in the village due to the simmering tension.

After the police force was withdrawn a few days ago, the underlying tension again increased on Tuesday evening and a quarrel ensued between the father-son d...