Chaibas: A shocking case of alleged witch-hunting has emerged from West Singhbhum district, where a woman and her minor son were reportedly set ablaze by a group of villagers suspecting her of witchcraft, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night under the Kumardungi police station area. According to investigators, the assailants stormed into the house, poured petrol over the victims, and ignited them. Both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The woman’s husband, who attempted to intervene, sustained extensive burn injuries and is currently hospitalised in critical condition.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that villagers had been spreading allegations connecting the family to local illnesses and other misfortunes. The woman was allegedly declared a “witch,” leading to the fatal attack.
Police revealed that approximately 12 individuals were involved in planning and executing the assault. In a significant development, all 12 accused surrendered at the Kumardungi police station on Wednesday morning and have since been detained for questioning.
Top police officials inspected the location, and extra security forces have been deployed to prevent further disturbances. Forensic experts are examining the site. Authorities are registering a case under relevant provisions concerning murder, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and related serious offences.
A comprehensive investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the crime and determine whether others were complicit. The incident once again brings attention to the persistent issue of witch-hunting in rural regions, despite stringent legal safeguards.
With inputs from IANS