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1 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Assam: Couple Brutally Murdered Over Witchcraft Accusations, House Torched

Assam couple murdered, house torched, over horrific witchcraft allegations, highlighting social evil.

Assam: Couple Brutally Murdered Over Witchcraft Accusations, House Torched

Photo by Ksenia Yakovleva

A shocking incident in Assam saw a couple brutally murdered and their house set ablaze, allegedly due to accusations of witchcraft. This tragic event underscores the persistent social evil of witch-hunting, particularly in rural and tribal areas, despite laws aimed at its eradication. Such incidents highlight the need for stronger legal enforcement, community awareness programs, and socio-economic development to combat superstition and protect vulnerable individuals, especially women, who are often targeted.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

Couple murdered

2.

house set ablaze

3.

allegedly due to witchcraft accusations.

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Social issues: Witch-hunting as a manifestation of superstition, patriarchy, and socio-economic disparities.

2.

Governance: Effectiveness of existing laws (state-specific acts), law enforcement challenges, judicial delays.

3.

Constitutional provisions: Fundamental Duties (promoting scientific temper - Art 51A(h)), Right to Life and Dignity (Art 21).

4.

Vulnerable sections: Protection of women, tribal communities, and marginalized groups.

5.

Development: Role of education, awareness, and socio-economic upliftment in combating superstition.

दृश्य सामग्री

Witch-Hunting Hotspots in India (2025-2026)

This map highlights states in India that have historically and currently report a high incidence of witch-hunting cases, including the state of Assam where the recent incident occurred. The persistence of this social evil is evident despite specific state laws.

Loading interactive map...

📍Assam📍Jharkhand📍Odisha📍Chhattisgarh📍West Bengal📍Bihar
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

Witch-hunting, often rooted in superstition, illiteracy, and socio-economic backwardness, has been a persistent social evil in India for centuries. Historically, it was linked to tribal beliefs, but also to patriarchal structures and land disputes. Various social reformers and movements have tried to combat this, but the practice continues, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The recent incident in Assam, where a couple was brutally murdered over witchcraft accusations, highlights the alarming persistence of this practice despite legal frameworks. Such events underscore the failure of both state and societal mechanisms in eradicating superstition and protecting vulnerable individuals, especially women, who are disproportionately targeted.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding laws against witch-hunting in India: 1. There is a comprehensive central legislation specifically prohibiting witch-hunting across all states. 2. Several states, including Assam, Jharkhand, and Bihar, have enacted their own specific laws to combat witch-hunting. 3. The 'Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act' typically includes provisions for punishment of perpetrators and rehabilitation of victims. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. There is no comprehensive central legislation specifically prohibiting witch-hunting across all states. States have enacted their own laws. Statement 2 is correct. States like Assam (Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015), Jharkhand (Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 2001), Bihar (Prevention of Witch Practices Act, 1999), Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra have specific laws. Statement 3 is correct. These state laws typically include provisions for stringent punishment of those who accuse or harm individuals based on witchcraft allegations, and also focus on the rehabilitation and protection of victims.

2. In the context of combating witch-hunting and promoting scientific temper in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution mandates every citizen to develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. 2. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) collects data on crimes related to witch-hunting under a specific category in its annual reports. 3. Socio-economic development and improved access to education are considered key long-term strategies to eradicate superstition-driven crimes. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. Article 51A(h) is a Fundamental Duty that explicitly promotes scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform, which is crucial for combating superstition. Statement 2 is incorrect. While NCRB reports crimes, 'witch-hunting' is not typically a specific, standalone category. Crimes related to witch-hunting are often reported under other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as murder, assault, or grievous hurt. Statement 3 is correct. Poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness are significant drivers of superstition and witch-hunting. Therefore, socio-economic development and improved education are fundamental long-term strategies to address these root causes.

3. Which of the following factors is NOT commonly associated with the prevalence and perpetuation of witch-hunting practices in rural and tribal areas of India?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Option A is commonly associated. Land disputes and property grabbing are often underlying motives for accusing individuals, especially widows or single women, of witchcraft. Option B is commonly associated. In areas with poor healthcare access, unexplained illnesses or deaths are often attributed to witchcraft, leading to accusations. Option C is commonly associated. Witch-hunting disproportionately targets women, reflecting deep-seated patriarchal biases and gender inequality. Option D is NOT commonly associated. High literacy rates and advanced technological penetration are generally factors that help reduce superstition and promote rational thinking, thus acting as deterrents to witch-hunting, rather than contributing to its prevalence.

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