Patna Police Arrest Couple in Witchcraft Murder Case
Police in Patna district arrested two individuals on Thursday. The arrests include a woman. They are connected to the brutal murder of 32-year-old Juhi Devi.
The incident occurred at Bajitpur village. This village falls under the Bihta police station limits in Patna district. The murder took place on January 14.
Investigation Reveals Superstition as Motive
City SP (West) Bhanu Pratap Singh provided details. Police received information suggesting personal enmity played a role. Officers reached the spot promptly. They took possession of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.
The police formed a special investigation team due to the case's sensitivity. Using technical and human intelligence, they identified the suspects. The arrested couple are Pintu Ram and his wife, Anita Devi.
Further investigation uncovered the primary motive. The crime stemmed from superstition and the evil practice of witch-hunting, known locally as dayan pratha. Villagers branded Juhi Devi as a 'dayan' or witch.
They blamed her for allegedly causing the death of a six-month-old child. This child belonged to the accused's family. Driven by this irrational belief, the accused and others launched a violent attack.
Brutal Assault Leads to Death and Injuries
The assailants used iron rods, bricks, and stones during the assault. They attacked Juhi Devi and her family members. The brutal beating caused Juhi's death on the spot.
Several family members tried to protect her during the attack. These individuals sustained injuries and required hospital treatment. The police confirmed these details based on their investigation.
The deceased's mother filed a formal complaint. Her complaint named twelve people as accused in the First Information Report. Police have registered the case accordingly.
A Forensic Science Laboratory team visited the scene. They collected crucial evidence from the location. Police efforts continue to apprehend the remaining accused individuals.
Women's Commission Takes Action
The Bihar State Women's Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Commission chairperson Apsara addressed the matter directly. She asked Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma to take legal action against all accused persons.
"This tragic event once again underscores the urgent need for awareness," Apsara stated. She emphasized the importance of stricter enforcement measures. The commission aims to eradicate such superstitious beliefs from society.
The case highlights ongoing challenges with witch-hunting practices in certain regions. Police continue their investigation while the women's commission monitors legal proceedings.
