Elderly Woman Subjected to Brutal Witchcraft Assault in Motihari Village
In a shocking incident that highlights the persistence of superstitious beliefs in rural India, a 60-year-old woman from the Bhopapur police station area of Motihari in East Champaran district was brutally assaulted and forced to drink human excreta. The horrific attack occurred after villagers accused her of practising witchcraft and blamed her for a youth's death in Gujarat.
Violent Attack Following Superstitious Accusations
The disturbing incident took place on Monday when a group of villagers allegedly attacked the elderly woman. According to the victim's account, the assault stemmed from accusations that she had used black magic to cause the death of a 24-year-old man who had passed away in Gujarat some time earlier.
The victim recounted her traumatic experience: "Shankar Sah's 24-year-old son died in Gujarat some time ago. After that, Shankar branded me a witch and accused me of taking his son's life through black magic. He assaulted me and tortured me mentally and physically. One of my teeth was broken during the attack. The entire incident happened openly in the village, but no one intervened."
Medical Neglect and Police Inaction Initially
Following the brutal assault, the injured woman managed to reach Motihari Sadar Hospital seeking medical treatment. However, in another distressing development, she was allegedly denied care at the government hospital due to the filth on her body from the attack. This forced her to seek treatment at a private hospital, where she finally received the medical attention she desperately needed.
Once her physical injuries were treated, the determined woman approached the Bhopatpur police station to seek justice for the horrific crime committed against her. She alleged that initially, the police neither listened to her complaint nor accepted her formal report, leaving her without immediate legal recourse despite the severity of the assault.
Justice Sought Through Janta Darbar Intervention
After repeated attempts to file a complaint, the victim approached East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat during his Janta Darbar on Tuesday. There, she narrated her complete ordeal, detailing the physical assault, the forced consumption of human excreta, and the subsequent challenges she faced in obtaining medical care and police assistance.
Taking immediate note of the serious allegations, SP Prabhat ordered strict action. The police official stated: "The elderly woman who came to the Janta Darbar complained of assault and inhumane treatment after being branded a witch. Taking the matter seriously, the concerned SHO was directed to register an FIR and arrest the accused. Strict legal action will be taken against the culprits."
FIR Registered and Investigation Underway
Following the SP's intervention, an FIR was officially lodged on Tuesday, marking the beginning of formal legal proceedings against the perpetrators. The case has drawn attention to several critical issues:
- The persistence of witchcraft accusations in certain rural communities
- The extreme violence that can accompany such superstitious beliefs
- Challenges victims face in accessing immediate medical care
- Initial barriers to justice at local police stations
- The importance of grievance redressal mechanisms like Janta Darbar
The East Champaran police have assured that thorough investigations will be conducted and that all those responsible for the brutal assault will face appropriate legal consequences. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the work still needed to eradicate harmful superstitious practices and ensure prompt justice for victims of such crimes in rural India.
