Chaibasa News: Suspicion of Witchcraft Leads to Brutal Murder of Husband, Wife and Daughter, Bodies Dumped in Forest [Jharkhand News]

Siankel, Chaibasa, October 13: In a tragic and horrifying incident, a family of three was brutally murdered in Chaibasa, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. The victims, a husband, wife and their daughter, were found dead in a forest near Siankel village.

Initial investigations suggest the attack was fueled by suspicions of witchcraft, locally known as ‘Dayan-Bisahi.’ This case has once again brought to light the dark side of superstitions that continue to affect rural communities in Jharkhand. The local police are currently investigating the case.

Incident Details

On a Thursday night, the tranquil village of Siankel was shaken by the brutal murder of three family members. The victims, identified as Rameshwar Munda (45), his wife Meena Munda (42) and their 16-year-old daughter Sunita Munda, were reportedly dragged from their home by unknown assailants.

Villagers informed the police that there were rumors circulating about the family being involved in witchcraft, a superstition that has long plagued the tribal communities in the region.

The attackers, armed with sharp weapons, allegedly assaulted the family in the dead of night, leaving them with fatal injuries. Their bodies were discovered two days later by local villagers who alerted the authorities.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victims’ hands were tied and their bodies showed signs of a violent struggle. The police confirmed that the bodies were dumped in a nearby forest, a tactic often used to delay the discovery of the crime.

Police Investigation & Response

Upon receiving information, the local police, led by Superintendent of Police, Manoj Kumar, immediately reached the scene. “This is a clear case of murder and we are investigating the angle of witchcraft accusations. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and we are following multiple leads,” said SP Kumar.

The authorities have yet to identify the culprits, but they suspect the involvement of individuals from nearby villages who have been known to promote superstitions.

Investigating officers mentioned the complexities of operating in the area, particularly due to its remote location and the presence of Naxal elements, which have hindered the police’s efforts to reach out to certain parts of the region.

Despite these challenges, the law enforcement team is confident of making progress. “We are committed to ensuring justice and will not allow fear or superstition to disrupt peace,” added the SP.

Community Reactions & Context

The incident has sparked outrage across the community. Local residents expressed their shock and sorrow, condemning the acts of violence. “It’s unfortunate that even in today’s world, such baseless superstitions still lead to the loss of innocent lives,” said Sunil Marandi, a community leader.

Another resident, Shanti Devi, added, “People have been targeting women, branding them as witches, without any proof. It’s time we educated our people about the reality behind these myths.”

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Jharkhand, particularly West Singhbhum, has witnessed several such cases where accusations of witchcraft have led to brutal killings. The practice, termed ‘Dayan-Bisahi,’ involves labeling individuals, mostly women, as witches responsible for misfortunes or unexplained occurrences.

Such beliefs are deeply ingrained in some tribal communities, leading to sporadic violence despite government efforts to curb it.

Over the years, there have been multiple initiatives by NGOs and the government to educate the rural populace about the perils of such superstitions. However, deeply held beliefs and social pressures have made it challenging to eradicate the menace completely.

According to data, more than 100 people have been killed in the past five years across the state due to witchcraft accusations.

Conclusion

The brutal murder of Rameshwar Munda, Meena Munda, and Sunita Munda is a stark reminder of how deeply-rooted superstitions can lead to horrific consequences.

The incident underscores the urgent need for more education, awareness, and stricter law enforcement to curb such practices.

The community, while grieving, is calling for justice and a stronger stance against individuals who propagate violence under the guise of age-old myths. It’s time to take decisive steps to ensure that no family has to endure such tragedy ever again.