A woman was allegedly murdered on suspicion of practising witchcraft at Ultapul Auguri in Assam’s Digboi area on November 1, with police arresting three women in connection with the case.
According to available information, the victim was targeted over allegations that she practised witchcraft. Three women have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the killing. Further details about the circumstances leading to the murder and the identities of the accused are awaited.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of witch-hunting-related violence in Assam, where accusations of practising witchcraft have led to harassment, social ostracisation and killings.
Despite the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which criminalises the practice and prescribes stringent punishment, such incidents continue to be reported in the state.
