A horrific incident of mob violence, driven by superstition, has shaken a remote village in Assam. An elderly couple was brutally set on fire and killed after being accused of practicing witchcraft. The tragic event underscores the persistent and deadly menace of witch-hunting in certain parts of rural India.
A Night of Horror in Kachomari Pathar
The attack occurred on the night of May 21 in Kachomari Pathar village, located within the Bokakhat sub-division of Golaghat district. The victims have been identified as Rupchandra Karmakar, aged 65, and his 60-year-old wife, Rukmini. According to police reports and local accounts, a group of villagers forcibly entered the couple's home. They dragged the elderly pair out, doused them with a flammable substance, and set them ablaze.
The assailants allegedly acted on the belief that the couple's "witchcraft" was responsible for illnesses and misfortunes in the village. This deep-rooted superstition led to the premeditated and gruesome murder of two innocent individuals. The couple succumbed to their severe burn injuries at the scene.
Police Action and Community Shock
Following the incident, local authorities acted swiftly. The Bokakhat Police have registered a case and arrested three individuals in connection with the murder. An investigation is actively underway to identify and apprehend any other participants in the mob violence. Police officials have confirmed that the attack was motivated by allegations of sorcery.
The brutal killing has sent waves of shock and fear through the surrounding community. It highlights the critical challenge of eradicating archaic beliefs that continue to endanger lives, despite existing laws like The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015. This legislation specifically criminalizes identifying someone as a witch and causing harm, but implementation at the grassroots level remains a struggle.
The Persistent Scourge of Witch-Hunting
This tragedy is not an isolated event in Assam or neighboring regions. Witch-hunting, often targeting the elderly, widows, or marginalized community members, remains a severe social malady. Experts point to a combination of factors that perpetuate this violence:
- Deep-seated superstition and lack of scientific temper: Unexplained illnesses or deaths are often attributed to black magic.
- Social and economic conflicts: Accusations can sometimes be a tool for settling personal scores or seizing property.
- Inadequate awareness and enforcement: While laws exist, spreading awareness and ensuring swift justice is challenging in remote areas.
The murder of Rupchandra and Rukmini Karmakar is a grim reminder that legislative action alone is insufficient. It calls for a concerted effort involving continuous community education, empowerment of local administrations, and swift judicial processes to deter such barbaric acts and protect vulnerable citizens from mob mentality rooted in ignorance.
