Patna: A 32-year-old woman was beaten to death in a village near Patna after neighbours accused her of practising witchcraft, police said, in the latest incident highlighting the persistence of superstition-linked violence in parts of rural India.
The woman, identified as Juhi Devi, was attacked on Tuesday evening in Bajitpur village under the jurisdiction of a local police station. Several members of her family who attempted to intervene were also assaulted and sustained serious injuries.
According to police and family members, the violence followed the death of a child in the neighbourhood earlier that day. Relatives of the child allegedly blamed Devi for the death, accusing her of witchcraft, and launched a sudden attack.
Witnesses said the assailants beat Devi with bricks, stones and iron rods. Her mother, brother and other relatives who rushed to her aid were also attacked. Devi collapsed at the scene with severe injuries and heavy bleeding.
Neighbours later intervened and transported the injured to hospital. Doctors provided emergency treatment, but Devi died from her injuries. The others remain under medical care.
Police teams, including reinforcements, were deployed in the village following the incident, as tensions rose among residents. The woman’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and an investigation has been launched.
Relatives of the deceased have alleged that a long-standing dispute between families escalated after being fuelled by superstition. The station house officer confirmed the death and said those responsible would be identified and action taken in accordance with the law.
