Jharkhand High Court Justice Takes Swift Action on Horrific Witchcraft Burning Case
Ranchi: In a decisive move, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, the Executive Chairman of the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority and a Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, has taken official cognisance of a deeply disturbing news report. The report detailed the brutal burning of a woman and her two-month-old son on suspicion of practising witchcraft in the Chaibasa district of Jharkhand.
A Tragic and Brutal Incident
The horrific event unfolded on the evening of February 17 at approximately 9 PM in Kalaiya village, located within the Chaibasa district. According to reports, the 32-year-old victim was asleep in her home when her husband was lured outside by a relative. In his absence, a group of villagers stormed the house, accusing the woman of being a witch. In a shocking act of violence, they drenched both the woman and her infant son with kerosene and set them ablaze.
The assault resulted in fatal burn injuries for both mother and child, leading to their tragic deaths. The woman's husband, who was not present during the attack, was subsequently admitted to the Sadar Hospital in Chaibasa, presumably due to the trauma and aftermath of the incident.
Immediate Judicial Intervention and Relief Measures
Upon learning of the atrocity through media reports on Thursday, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad issued immediate directives. He instructed the Secretary of the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in Chaibasa to extend all necessary legal and financial assistance to the surviving family members.
The DLSA Chaibasa responded promptly to the judicial order. Their immediate actions included:
- Providing essential food supplies to the victim's household to address urgent needs.
- Disbursing a financial aid amount of Rs 25,000 to the grieving family, as specifically directed by Justice Prasad.
Furthermore, Justice Prasad has mandated the DLSA to conduct extensive awareness programmes in the remote villages of the Chaibasa district. These initiatives are aimed at educating communities about the legal consequences of such superstitious practices and promoting rational thought to prevent future tragedies.
A Call for Systemic Change
This tragic incident highlights the persistent and deadly issue of witchcraft-related violence in certain regions. The swift intervention by the judiciary underscores the legal system's role in not only providing post-facto relief but also in initiating preventive measures. The directive for awareness campaigns signals a proactive approach to eradicate such deep-rooted superstitions through education and legal outreach.
The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating harmful traditional practices, with the judicial machinery now actively engaged in supporting the victims' family and working towards long-term societal change.
