Assam couple burnt alive on witchcraft suspicion; villagers claim they caused harm
A couple was brutally attacked and burnt alive in their home in Assam's Karbi Anglong district by villagers who suspected them of practicing witchcraft. Police are investigating the horrific incident, which highlights the deep-rooted superstition prevalent in the area. Witch hunting is a criminal offense under state law.
DIPHU: A group of people burnt alive a couple in a village in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, suspecting them to be involved in witchcraft, police said on Wednesday.The incident occurred on Tuesday night at No. 1 Beloguri Munda village in the Howraghat area."The miscreants first attacked the couple with sharp weapons inside their house. After that, they burnt the house, and the couple died in the fire," he added.Villagers accused the deceased of practicing witchcraft and causing harm to the surrounding area, an official said.The victims have been identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and Mira Birowa (33).Senior police and civil administration officials have reached the site and launched an investigation to apprehend the culprits."The area is under the grip of superstition. People still believe in rumours, leading to sufferings of some," the official said.Besides provisions under various sections of the BNS, witch hunting is also a criminal offense under state law.(With agency inputs)