The scourge of superstition has once again claimed two lives in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. Suspecting them of practicing witchcraft, villagers first attacked a couple with sharp weapons and then set their house on fire. Both victims were burnt to death in this horrific attack, which occurred on Tuesday night.

The deceased have been identified as 43-year-old Gardi Birova and his wife 33-year-old Meera Birova. The incident took place in No. 1 Beloguri Munda village, which falls under the Howraghat area. The villagers believed that the couple was practicing black magic and causing harm to people in the vicinity.

Police Action And Arrests

The attackers first broke into the couple's home and assaulted them with sharp weapons. They subsequently set the house ablaze, trapping the couple inside where they burnt to death. Upon receiving information about the incident, the police arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. The police have arrested all the accused involved in the crime.

A police official stated that the area is gripped by superstition. People tend to believe in rumors, leading to the victimisation of individuals. The officer highlighted how dangerous acting on such hasty decisions can be.

Deep-Rooted Superstition

Superstition remains deeply rooted in remote areas like Karbi Anglong. When faced with illness or misfortune, locals often attribute it to witchcraft or black magic. Consequently, innocent people become targets. To address this issue, the Assam government implemented the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act in 2015.

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Strict Legal Provisions

This law is very stringent. It provides for severe punishment and fines for killing or torturing someone by branding them a witch. The offense is non-bailable and cognizable, meaning the police can arrest suspects without a warrant. The primary objective of the law is to eradicate superstition and protect victims.

Over 100 Deaths In A Decade

Despite this law, incidents of witch-hunting have not ceased in Assam. Over 100 lives have been lost in such cases over the last ten years. Most victims hail from poor and less educated areas where healthcare facilities are scarce, leading people to mistake medical illnesses for the effects of magic.

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