Two Arrested in Khunti District for Witchcraft-Linked Murder of 7-Year-Old Boy
In a tragic incident highlighting the persistence of superstitious beliefs, police in Khunti district have apprehended two individuals in connection with the brutal murder of a seven-year-old boy. The victim, identified as Vishnu Munda, was allegedly killed due to suspicions that his mother was practicing witchcraft in Bimdih village, located under the jurisdiction of the Maranghada police station.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Crime
According to police officials, the accused persons, Jagarnath Munda and Raghu Munda, were arrested on Friday and subsequently forwarded to jail on Saturday. The arrests followed a swift investigation into the murder, which has sent shockwaves through the local community. Authorities have taken decisive action to ensure justice is served in this harrowing case.
Motivation Behind the Murder
Police stated that the motive for the crime stemmed from a recent personal tragedy. Raghu Munda's son had died of an illness, and he reportedly suspected that Vishnu's mother was responsible for the death through alleged witchcraft practices. Driven by a desire for revenge, the accused took Vishnu to a forest area on Thursday, where they murdered him using sharp weapons. This act of violence underscores the dangerous consequences of deep-seated superstitions in certain rural areas.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
In response to the incident, police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Witch Practices Act. The legal framework aims to address and curb such practices, which continue to pose a threat to vulnerable individuals in society. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather further evidence and ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
The murder of Vishnu Munda serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued awareness and education to combat harmful superstitions. Community leaders and law enforcement are urged to collaborate in preventing such tragedies in the future, emphasizing the importance of rational thinking and legal recourse over vigilante justice.
