Heart-wrenching crime: untoward incidents reported in village, husband and wife burnt alive over witchcraft suspicion
Dispur (The Uttam Hindu): A horrifying incident linked to superstition has emerged from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, where a married couple was brutally killed on suspicion of practicing witchcraft. The incident took place on Tuesday night in No. 1 Beloguri Munda village under the Howraghat police station area.
According to the police, a group of villagers attacked the couple inside their house with sharp weapons and later set the house on fire, suspecting them of performing black magic. Both victims died on the spot after being trapped in the flames. The deceased have been identified as 43-year-old Gardi Birowa and 33-year-old Mira Birowa.
Local rumours had spread the belief that the couple was responsible for alleged untoward incidents occurring in the village and nearby areas. Driven by these superstitions, some villagers allegedly took the law into their own hands and carried out the brutal act.
Soon after receiving information, senior police and district administration officials reached the spot. Security has been tightened in the area, and raids are underway to identify and arrest those involved. Police said an FIR has been registered under several serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The administration stated that the incident highlights how superstition and rumours continue to prevail in certain regions. Violence based on false beliefs often results in innocent people paying the heaviest price. Police have made it clear that branding someone as a witch or subjecting them to violence is a grave offence, and those responsible will not be spared.
It is noteworthy that Assam has witnessed similar incidents related to witch-hunting in the past. Despite strict laws enacted by the state government to curb the practice, lack of awareness at the grassroots level remains a major challenge. The administration has urged people to stay away from rumours and report any suspicion or issue directly to the police or concerned authorities.