Ranchi: For the eradication of witchcraft, an awareness rath was flagged off from the Collectorate premises by Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Rahul Sinha on Thursday. District Social Welfare Officer Shweta Bharti, CDPO and other personnel were present. Through this awareness Rath, people will be made aware to eradicate witchcraft. Awareness Rath will work to make people aware through audio in all blocks, major square-intersections and haat-bazaars of Ranchi district.
On the occasion, DC Rahul Kumar Sinha said under the Witches Act 2001 in the district, an awareness Rath has been dispatched with the aim of rooting out witchcraft. In remote areas, work will be done to make people aware about the practice of witch by giving information about witch act 2001 through Rath. He appealed to cooperate with the district administration in ending the evil practice.
Under the Witchcraft Prohibition Act, 2001, whoever identifies a woman as a witch and acts against such identification by any act, word or manner, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
There is a provision of imprisonment for six months or a fine of two thousand rupees or both for intentionally causing physical or mental torture or otherwise torturing a woman after identifying her as a witch. There is a provision of imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of one thousand rupees or both in the case of inciting or conspiring or helping other persons or members of the society by evidence or ignorance to identify a woman as a witch.
There is a provision of imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to two thousand rupees or both, to a woman identified as a witch who causes physical or mental harm or torturing her and treats her with exorcism or totka.