Assam: 4 including elderly woman thrashed on suspicion of being witches in Chirang

At least four persons of two families including an elderly woman thrashed black and blue suspecting them of being involved in witchcraft activities in Chirang district in Assam.

The incident took place in the wee hours of August 2^nd, 2020 at Bhurbasti along the India-Bhutan border under Runikhata police station in Chirang district.

According to police sources, some unidentified miscreants from the Bhurbasti area attacked the people on the suspicion of being involved in witchcraft activities following the death of a person recently in the area.

Also read: Assam: COVID-19 active cases reach 10,412, death toll stands at 105

Police rushed to the spot and rescued all the victims on the same night and admitted them to the Runikhata Hospital for medical assistance. The victims have been identified as Parmeshwar Sutradhar (48), Manjula Sutradhar (42), Logai Basumatary (36) and Gendri Basumatary (60).

An FIR has been lodged with the Runikhata police in this regard. “We have started investigation into the matter,” an officer said.

A peace meeting was organised at the village under the initiative of Chirang police to create awareness against the belief of black magic and superstitions among the citizens in the area.

"Police have started investigation into the incident. The victims have been provided medical assistance,” a senior police officer said.

Witchcraft (or witchery) is the practice of magical skills, spells, and abilities. Witchcraft is a broad term that varies culturally and societally and thus can be difficult to define with precision. Belief in witchcraft is often present within societies and groups whose cultural framework includes a magical world view

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