Assam: Woman murdered on grounds of practicing witchcraft in Kokrajhar

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• Nov 13, 2023 | Dhupali Das

In a grim incident that highlights the persisting menace of witch-hunting in rural Assam, a middle-aged woman, Marshila Murmu, was allegedly murdered on...

Digital Desk: In a grim incident that highlights the persisting menace of witch-hunting in rural Assam, a middle-aged woman, Marshila Murmu, was allegedly murdered on Sunday in Bhogjhara Samarpur village, under the Tulasibil police station in Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar District.

Local residents apprehended Lakhan Tudu from No. 2 Phulkumari village, accusing him of being involved in Murmu's killing. Shockingly, Tudu confessed to the crime, admitting that he committed the murder under the influence of alcohol. It was revealed that the accused and the victim had consumed alcohol together before the heinous act took place.

This tragic incident follows a similar case in September, where an elderly woman, Praneswari Rabha (56), was brutally beaten to death in Chatabari Pt I Village in Goalpara district. Initial investigations suggest that Rabha was tied up and fatally battered by unidentified miscreants, raising suspicions of witch-hunting. Remarkably, Rabha's brother had met a similar fate a few years ago on allegations of practicing witchcraft.

Villagers expressed shock and disbelief over Praneswari's murder, emphasizing that she had no known disputes and lived peacefully in the community. A local acquaintance commented, "There is absolutely no reason for anyone to murder an elderly woman in such a ghastly manner. Praneswari’s brother was also lynched to death a few years ago on suspicion of practicing witchcraft, and it is safe to say that she was murdered for the same reasons."

Witch-hunting remains a pervasive issue in rural Assam. In 2021, an elderly woman suspected of practicing witchcraft was allegedly stabbed to death by her son in Kokrajhar. The accused was subsequently arrested. Last year, a landmark judgment in Bijni's local court saw the conviction of 10 individuals involved in a witch-hunting incident dating back to 2001. The accused were found guilty of murdering three women on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Chirang district, receiving life imprisonment as a consequence.

Despite efforts to curb these atrocities, witch-hunting continues to plague the region, leaving authorities grappling with the challenge of eradicating deeply rooted superstitions and beliefs. The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the issue and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to baseless accusations of witchcraft.