Assam Police Detain 18 in Witchcraft Murder Case
Police Action in Witchcraft Murder Case
Guwahati, Jan 3: Authorities in Assam have apprehended 18 individuals, including four women, linked to the tragic incident where a couple was allegedly burned alive due to witchcraft accusations in the Karbi Anglong district.
Akhilesh Kumar Singh, the Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), announced on Saturday that a thorough scientific investigation will be conducted at the site of the crime, emphasizing that such violent acts will not be tolerated.
"I visited the location of the incident. We have detained 18 suspects after gathering evidence. A scientific inquiry will also take place," Singh informed reporters.
He referenced a recent court ruling where 23 individuals received life sentences in a similar witch-hunting case in Sivasagar, assuring that justice will also be served in the Karbi Anglong incident.
The tragic event occurred on December 30 in 1 No. Beloguri Munda Gaon, within the jurisdiction of the Hawraghat police station.
The victims, Gardi Birowa and Mira Birowa, were reportedly assaulted by a group of villagers who suspected them of witchcraft.
Upon receiving alerts, police dispatched a team to the scene, discovering the couple's home vandalized and a fire still smoldering in the yard.
In response to the incident, police initiated a suo motu case under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Condemning the act, Singh urged the community to avoid violence driven by superstition, stating that such behavior has no place in contemporary society.
"These accusations are unfounded in today's world. We call upon the public to help prevent such occurrences in the future," he stated.
Local residents have expressed concerns that ignorance continues to perpetuate witch-hunting incidents in the area.
They have called for enhanced preventive measures and urged the state government to implement ongoing awareness campaigns in remote villages to combat superstition-related violence.