NCW condemns killing of woman in Assam over suspicion of witchcraft, seeks detailed report
Dec 28, 2023
New Delhi [India], December 28 : The National Commission for Women (NCW) has condemned the incident in which a woman was attacked with sharp weapons and burnt to death by a group of six persons for allegedly practising witchcraft in Assam's Sonitpur district.
The NCW has also sought a detailed report on the incident from the concerned police officer.
Taking to 'X', the NCW wrote, "Deeply disturbed by the horrific incident of a 40-year-old Adivasi woman being brutally attacked and burnt alive in Sonitpur, Assam over suspicion of witchcraft."
"National Commission for Women strongly condemns this act of violence. Urging the concerned Police officer to invoke provisions under IPC and the Assam Witch Hunting Act against all accused and ensure a swift, fair investigation. A detailed report, including the FIR, is requested within 4 days," it added.
In a shocking incident, a 28-year-old woman was attacked with sharp weapons and burnt to death by a group of six persons for allegedly practising witchcraft in Assam's Sonitpur district, the police said on Monday.
Police arrested four persons in connection with the case and two others are still absconding.
According to the Sonitpur district police, the incident took place at Ghagara Tea Estate near Bahbari under Tezpur police station on December 24 night.
Madhurima Das, Additional Superintendent of Police of Sonitpur district told ANI over the phone that so far four persons have been arrested and two others are absconding."Three persons were arrested on December 24 night and one was arrested on Monday. A case has been registered at Tezpur police station," Madhurima Das said.
The police official also said that as many as six persons were involved in the heinous crime.
According to the reports, the victim identified as Sangita Kapi who was a mother of three children was beaten by a group of six persons and burnt to death for allegedly practising witchcraft.
The husband of the victim said that the assailants branded her as a 'witch' and beat her up and set her ablaze near their house.
Following the incident, the village headman informed the police.
The body was later sent to Tezpur Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem.
In 2018, the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act was enacted to provide for more effective measures to prohibit witch hunting and prevent and protect persons from witch hunting.
