A gruesome crime has been reported from the Chatra district of Jharkhand, where a man named Dharmadev Uraon was murdered under the suspicion of sorcery. The attackers, allegedly fueled by superstition, first mutilated the victim by severing his tongue. They then proceeded to beat him to death using sticks and other blunt objects. In a further act of barbarity, the perpetrators set the body ablaze after the murder.
The incident took place in Khuntitola village, under the jurisdiction of the Tundwa police station. The local community was shaken by the brutal nature of the killing. Upon receiving the report, the police immediately initiated an investigation, but the suspects had already fled the scene. Law enforcement authorities are currently engaged in a manhunt to capture the individuals responsible.
Preliminary investigations suggest the murder was motivated by a previous death in the neighborhood. Dharmadev Uraon was accused by the family of a deceased neighbor of using black magic to cause the death. The attackers are believed to have sought revenge for this alleged act of witchcraft.
Police have identified several individuals believed to be involved in the crime and are working to bring them to justice. This incident highlights a disturbing trend of violence rooted in superstition.
This is not an isolated incident in Jharkhand. Earlier, in March 2025, a woman named Maino Devi from Gumla district was murdered, accused of being a witch. The accused was apprehended by the police in that case as well. The murder of Maino Devi was motivated by revenge for the death of the accused’s sister-in-law, who had died from a snake bite years ago. The family of the accused blamed Maino Devi for the death and subsequently, Karam Pal Lakra murdered Maino Devi.