In a tragic reminder of India’s ongoing rural superstition crisis, a 72-year-old man from Odisha was brutally killed by villagers who accused him of practising witchcraft. The police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident.
Despite laws against witch-hunting, such incidents continue to expose the social blind spots in rural awareness, law enforcement, and justice delivery.
The Incident
According to local reports, the incident occurred in Keonjhar district, Odisha. The victim was suspected of causing illness in the village through “black magic.”
On Thursday night, a group of villagers reportedly attacked the elderly man with sticks and stones, leading to his death on the spot. His body was later recovered by the police and sent for post-mortem examination.
Two suspects have been arrested, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Why Witchcraft-Related Killings Persist
Despite modernization, witchcraft-related violence remains prevalent in several Indian states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam.
🔹 Root causes include:
Deep-rooted superstition and lack of awareness.
Influence of local healers and false accusations.
Weak law enforcement and slow judicial redress.
Socioeconomic inequality and lack of education in rural areas.
Odisha has specific legislation — the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013 — but implementation remains weak in remote tribal belts.
Police and Administrative Response
Police officials confirmed that:
The main accused have been arrested.
The village is under tight security to prevent retaliation.
Efforts are being made to raise awareness against witchcraft beliefs.
Authorities also emphasized that the case will be treated as a murder under IPC Section 302, in addition to witch-hunting provisions.
Broader Social Context
This case underscores the intersection of superstition, fear, and violence in India’s rural landscape.
Even as India progresses digitally, social myths and stigma continue to endanger the lives of vulnerable individuals — especially the elderly, women, and the poor.
Civil rights activists are urging the government to strengthen awareness programs and ensure faster trials in witch-hunting cases.
Conclusion
The Odisha witchcraft killing is not just a crime — it’s a reflection of systemic failure in social education and enforcement.
Until rural India sheds such beliefs through awareness, education, and justice, stories like these will continue to haunt the nation’s conscience.
FAQs
Q1. Where did the Odisha witchcraft killing happen?
The incident took place in Keonjhar district, Odisha.
Q2. Who were the accused?
Two villagers have been arrested, and further investigation is ongoing.
Q3. Is witch-hunting illegal in Odisha?
Yes, under the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, such acts are punishable by imprisonment.
Q4. Why do witchcraft accusations still occur?
Due to superstition, lack of education, and the influence of local belief systems in rural communities.
Q5. What steps are being taken to prevent such incidents?
Police awareness drives, stricter law enforcement, and NGO-led educational campaigns in rural areas.
Published on : 2nd November
Published by : SMITA
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