Witchcraft murder case shocks Bihar community

A tragic case highlights the impact of superstition in rural India.

Witchcraft murder case reveals deep social divides in Bihar

In the small village of Tetgama, India, five family members were killed on July 6, allegedly by a mob accusing them of witchcraft. The victims included a 71-year-old widow. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, over 2,500 people were murdered on similar suspicions between 2000 and 2016. The incident drew attention due to its brutality and the belief in witchcraft that persists in some tribal communities, particularly among the Oraon tribe, to which both victims and alleged killers belong. Following the tragedy, many residents fled the village, leaving behind homes and livelihoods, further highlighting the profound impact of this event on the community.

This horrifying incident underscores the intersection of superstition, communal belief, and violence in rural India. The long-standing belief in witchcraft among tribal communities, coupled with systemic societal issues, creates a volatile environment where accusations can lead to tragic outcomes. The fact that both victims and alleged perpetrators belong to the same tribe reveals a troubling division that will take years to heal, if at all. The silence in Tetgama is a haunting reminder of the fear that grips these communities and their struggles against deeply entrenched beliefs.

Highlights

The tragedy in Tetgama calls for urgent dialogue on superstition and its consequences.