65-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Assaulted After Being Branded a Witch in Koderma, Seeks SP’s Intervention

A 65-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and threatened with eviction from her village after being branded a “witch” in Chandraghati village under the Jayanagar police station area of Koderma district. The woman has approached the Koderma Superintendent of Police with a written complaint, seeking action against those allegedly responsible.

The complainant, Madhuri Devi, wife of Babulal Ravidas and a resident of Chandraghati under Kanko post office, alleged that she was taking her goats out of the house when two villagers, Ajay Ravidas and Dhaneshwar Ravidas, stopped her.

According to her complaint, the two men allegedly abused her and accused her of causing the death of her own son before allegedly assaulting her and calling her a “witch”. She further alleged that other villagers gathered at the spot after hearing the commotion and threatened to drive her out of the village.

Madhuri Devi believes the incident is linked to the death of her son, Sunny Ravidas, in a road accident on June 24. Two other villagers were also injured in the accident. She alleged that following the incident, she has been targeted and harassed by some villagers, who have accused her of witchcraft.

Seeking protection and justice, Madhuri Devi submitted a written application to the Koderma Superintendent of Police on August 21 and requested appropriate action against those involved.

The allegations highlight the continuing threat posed by superstition and witch-branding in rural areas, where such accusations can lead to physical violence, social ostracisation and threats to victims and their families.

Police are currently looking into the complaint and are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and threats. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
 

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