A horrifying act of violence has taken place in the Chatra district of Jharkhand, where a man was murdered and his body burned due to suspicions of witchcraft. The victim, Dharmadev Uraon, was subjected to a brutal attack, which included the severing of his tongue, before being beaten to death. The perpetrators then set the body on fire.
The incident occurred in Khuntitola village, under the jurisdiction of the Tundwa police station, and has sent shockwaves through the community. The police were informed and immediately responded, but the attackers had already fled. A search for the suspects is currently underway.
The motivation for the crime appears to be rooted in local superstitions and beliefs. Initial investigations suggest the murder was a result of a dispute arising from the death of a neighbor. The family of the deceased had accused Uraon of practicing witchcraft, blaming him for the death. The suspects are believed to have sought revenge for this perceived act.
Police investigations indicate that several individuals were involved in the crime, and a manhunt is ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident mirrors a prior case in Gumla district, where Maino Devi was murdered on the grounds of being accused of witchcraft. The police arrested the accused in that instance. The motivation behind the murder of Maino Devi was the belief that she was responsible for the death of the accused’s sister-in-law, who died from a snake bite years prior; Karam Pal Lakra murdered Maino Devi.