The quiet village of Belguri Mundagaon in Assam's Karbi Anglong district has become the epicentre of a chilling crime that has shocked the nation. An atmosphere of fear has replaced the usual rural calm after a married couple fell victim to a brutal mob attack driven by superstition.
A Brutal Attack Rooted in Superstition
On December 30, the lives of Gardi Beruwa, 43, and his wife Mira, 33, were tragically cut short in a horrifying act of violence. A group of villagers, suspecting the couple of practising witchcraft, attacked them with iron rods. The assault did not stop there. The mob then set the injured couple on fire, leading to their deaths.
Belguri Mundagaon is a small, predominantly Adivasi settlement with a population of around 180 people. The incident has left this close-knit community in a state of trauma and silence.
Police Action and Arrests
In response to the lynching, the police moved swiftly. 20 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the murder. Among those arrested is an 18-year-old, highlighting the disturbing reach of such beliefs across generations. Authorities have confirmed that at least 14 of the accused have been sent to judicial custody as the investigation progresses.
The arrests signal a firm stance by law enforcement against such vigilante violence, but they also underscore the deep-seated nature of the problem in the region.
Karbi Anglong's Dark Legacy of Witch-Hunting
This is not an isolated incident for Karbi Anglong district. The area carries a long and dark history of witch-hunting, where individuals, often women, are targeted based on rumours and traditional beliefs. These accusations frequently stem from personal disputes, illnesses, or misfortunes within the community.
The practice, though illegal, persists in remote pockets, revealing a tragic conflict between modern law and archaic superstitions. Activists and authorities have long worked to educate communities and eradicate this form of violence, but cases like the murder of Gardi and Mira Beruwa show the battle is far from over.
The recent tragedy in Belguri Mundagaon serves as a grim reminder of the work that remains to protect vulnerable individuals from mob justice and baseless fears. It calls for continued efforts in legal enforcement, social education, and community engagement to end this cycle of violence for good.
