The recent horrific incident in Bihar, where a family was burned alive, is a stark reminder of the dangers of superstition. However, the state of Jharkhand, despite its natural wealth, struggles with a persistent and deadly problem: the killing of individuals accused of witchcraft (Dayaan-Bisaahi). Despite governmental efforts and legal measures, the practice continues, fueled by deep-seated beliefs, lack of education, and property disputes.
Official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates that 590 people were murdered in Jharkhand between 2000 and 2020, with women being the primary targets. Civil society organizations, however, estimate that over 1800 such killings have occurred in the same period. The districts of West Singhbhum, Khunti, Simdega, and Gumla are particularly affected by this gruesome practice.
These killings often stem from accusations of witchcraft. For instance, in Khunti district alone, hundreds of people have been victimized in the last three years. Disturbing incidents include the 2024 murder of a family, including an infant, in West Singhbhum, and the brutal killing of a family in Siakel village, also in 2024.
Victims are often targeted with brutal violence, including the use of sharp weapons and burning. Often, the victims are killed by their own neighbors or family members. Bodies are frequently disposed of in remote locations, such as forests and railway tracks.
A particularly shocking case involved the death of three women in Ranchi in 2022, where a local faith healer falsely accused them of witchcraft after a child died from a snakebite. Similarly, a couple in Latehar district were beaten to death in 2023 after being accused of practicing black magic. Other cases include the killing of couples, often by groups of individuals, fueled by suspicion and unfounded accusations.
Instances such as the 2025 murder of a woman in Khunti, blamed for causing illness with black magic, highlight the dangers of such beliefs. The accused, along with accomplices, entered her home and killed her. The cycle of violence appears to be unending, with incidents continuing to surface across the state. Even elderly individuals have been targeted, such as the 65-year-old man in Khunti who was murdered in 2023.
The murder of families, like the triple murder in Khunti in 2020, further underscore the severity of the situation. The burial of a woman’s body in Gumla in 2025, and the subsequent arrest of her neighbor, demonstrates the depth of the superstition. The killing of a mother and daughter in Gumla in February 2025, where the accused blamed them for his poor health, further demonstrates the tragic reality.
Despite government efforts, the violence persists, and the curse of witch-hunting continues to plague Jharkhand. The state’s rich natural resources are overshadowed by this dark practice and the lives it tragically claims.