The Witchcraft Killings That Sent Shockwaves Through an Indian Village
Three weeks after a horrific incident in Bihar, India, where five family members were allegedly lynched and burned alive over witchcraft accusations, the community is grappling with the aftermath. The tragedy unfolded on July 6 in Tetgama village, leaving a deep scar on the survivors and the local population. The incident has drawn attention to the persistent issues of superstition and mob violence in the region, raising questions about societal beliefs and law enforcement’s response to such heinous acts.
Details of the Incident
On the night of July 6, a mob descended upon the home of Babulal Oraon, the eldest son of Kato Oraon, a 71-year-old widow. The violence erupted after a villager, Ramdev Oraon, accused Kato and her family of witchcraft following the death of his son. The mob, fueled by superstition, gathered outside the Oraon home, leading to a night of terror. Witnesses reported that Kato, along with Babulal, his wife Sita Devi, their son Manjit, and daughter-in-law Rani Devi, were brutally attacked. The only survivor, a teenage son, managed to escape and later recounted the harrowing events to the police.
The police have identified Ramdev as the main suspect, who is currently absconding. They have also named 23 other villagers as accomplices in the crime, with the mob reportedly consisting of 150 to 200 individuals. The victims were tied up, assaulted, and ultimately burned, with their charred remains discovered in a nearby pond. The incident has shocked the local community, leading to a mass exodus of residents from Tetgama, leaving only a few families behind.
Community Response and Investigation
In the wake of the lynchings, local authorities have faced scrutiny over their delayed response. The Mufassil police station, located just 7 kilometers away, reportedly received information about the incident 11 hours after the mob had gathered. District Magistrate Anshul Kumar acknowledged the shortcomings in the police response, stating that the involvement of the entire community complicated the situation. Following the incident, the officer-in-charge was suspended, and a special investigation team was formed to probe the case further.
The police have arrested four individuals, including the exorcist who allegedly incited the mob, while others remain at large. Authorities are pursuing charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, and mob lynching, which could result in severe penalties for those found guilty. The survivor of the attack is currently in protective custody, receiving counseling and support as he begins to recover from the traumatic experience.
Societal Implications and Beliefs
The tragic events in Tetgama highlight the ongoing issues of superstition and violence in rural India, particularly within tribal communities. Campaigners have pointed out that beliefs in witchcraft are still prevalent, often leading to tragic outcomes. The National Crime Records Bureau reported that over 2,500 people, predominantly women, were killed on suspicion of witchcraft between 2000 and 2016. The recent incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by such beliefs.
Local social workers emphasize the lack of education and reliance on traditional practices, such as exorcism, over medical intervention. Many children in the village are not attending school, instead working in nearby brick kilns. This lack of education contributes to the perpetuation of superstitions and the cycle of violence. The community’s response to the lynchings and the subsequent investigation will be crucial in addressing these deep-rooted issues and preventing future tragedies.
Current Situation in Tetgama
Today, Tetgama village, home to just 22 families, is eerily quiet. Many homes are abandoned, and the streets are largely deserted as residents flee the trauma of the recent violence. The site of the tragedy, marked by burnt maize stalks, serves as a haunting reminder of the events that transpired. Survivors like Manisha Devi are left to grapple with the memories of that fateful night, where they witnessed the brutal assault on their neighbors.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in a state of shock and fear. Local leaders and educators are calling for increased awareness and education to combat the superstitions that led to this tragedy. The hope is that by addressing these issues, the village can begin to heal and prevent such violence from occurring in the future.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
