In Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, the flames of superstition have claimed two more lives. Villagers attacked a couple with sharp weapons and then set their house on fire, suspecting them of practicing witchcraft. Both died in the horrific attack. The incident occurred on Tuesday night.
The victims have been identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and his wife Meera Birowa (33). The incident took place in Number 1 Beloguri Munda village, which falls under the Howraghat area. The villagers believed the couple was harming people in the surrounding area through witchcraft.
What happened during the police action?
The attackers first broke into the couple’s house and attacked them with sharp weapons. They then set the house on fire, trapping and killing the couple. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police reached the spot and launched an investigation. The police have arrested all the accused.
A police officer stated that the area is gripped by superstition. People readily believe rumors, leading to innocent people becoming victims. The officer emphasized how dangerous it can be to make hasty judgments in such cases.
The deep roots of superstition
In remote areas like Karbi Anglong, superstition remains deeply entrenched. People attribute illness or misfortune to witchcraft, leading to innocent people being targeted. Recognizing this problem, the Assam government enacted the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act in 2015.
This law is very strict. It provides for severe punishment and fines for killing or torturing someone on the pretext of them being a witch. The crime is non-bailable and cognizable, meaning the police can arrest without a warrant. The law aims to eradicate superstition and protect the victims.
More than a hundred deaths in the last ten years
Despite this law, incidents of witch-hunting continue unabated in Assam. More than a hundred people have lost their lives in such cases in the last ten years. Most victims come from poor and less educated areas, where healthcare facilities are scarce and people attribute illness to witchcraft.
