Superstition Turns Deadly: Three Family Members Killed Over Witchcraft Allegations in Jharkhand

Lohardaga — A shocking case of superstition-fuelled violence has emerged from Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district, where three members of a family were brutally killed after being accused of practising witchcraft.

The incident took place late Wednesday night in Kekrang Bartoli village under Peshrar police station. The victims — Laxman Nagesia (47), his wife Bifani (45), and their son Ramvilas (9) — were attacked with axes and spades while they slept.

After killing the trio, the attackers locked the house from outside and fled. The crime was discovered the next morning when neighbours found the family unresponsive and informed police.

Police officers, including SDPO Vedant Shankar and SHO Virendra Kumar, rushed to the scene. The bodies were later sent for autopsy.

The family’s daughter-in-law, Sukhmania Nagesia, survived the attack. She told police that the family had long faced harassment from villagers over accusations of witchcraft. “A panchayat meeting was even held earlier about it,” she said.

She further described the night of the killings: “Several men broke in and attacked my in-laws and brother-in-law. They locked me inside my room so I couldn’t escape or shout for help.”

Police believe superstition was the main motive, though other possibilities are being examined. “We are investigating from all angles and will arrest the culprits soon,” said SDPO Shankar.

Locals reported that rumours of witchcraft had been circulating for months, creating tension in the village. The brutal killings have caused fear and anger among residents, who are demanding swift justice and stronger measures to stop such superstition-related crimes.

With inputs from IANS