A 62-year-old Adivasi woman, a resident of the Romai Tea Estate in Dibrugarh district, was brutally assaulted on the suspicion of practicing witchcraft. This incident, like many before it, brings forward the deep-seated superstitious beliefs that continue in rural India.
More About the Incident
In March 2025, the Romai Tea Estate was shattered when a group of locals, fueled by unfounded accusations, stormed at the Adivasi woman. They subjected her to brutal assault, dragging her to the banks of a nearby river, where she was left to die. The victim is now fighting for her life at Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH).
The woman’s husband claimed that a group of 25 people tortured his wife and he identified three primary attackers, who have since fled the area.
“A group of people told me on Monday that my wife practices witchcraft, because of which many people have fallen. As I protested against their allegations, they barged into my house and started physically assaulting my wife. They brutally tortured her, dragged her and dumped her near the river.”, he claimed.
Witch-Hunting in Assam
Despite the introduction of stringent laws and various efforts, this practice still remains today. The state has witnessed over 100 such incidents since 2011, with many more going unreported. These acts of violence often target women from marginalized communities, who are vulnerable to such accusations.
Limited access to education fuels such superstition. In remote areas without proper medical care, people often turn to traditional healers, who may encourage witchcraft accusations. Personal grudges and land disputes too are hidden behind claims of witchcraft. Even with laws in place, conviction rates stay low because there isn’t enough evidence.
The Legal Fight Against Superstition
In 2018, Assam enacted the Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, making witch-hunting a cognizable, non-bailable offense. The law prescribes severe punishments, including imprisonment for up to seven years and fines up to ₹5 lakh for branding someone as a witch.
Initiatives like Project Prahari, launched by the Assam Police, have shown promise by involving local communities in combating superstition. Similarly, organizations like Mission Birubala have been working tirelessly to educate rural populations about the dangers of witch-hunting.
The Way Forward: Education and Awareness as Key Solutions
To eradicate witch-hunting:
- Education Campaigns: Schools and community centers must teach scientific reasoning and dispel myths surrounding witchcraft.
- Healthcare Access: Improved medical facilities can reduce reliance on traditional healers who perpetuate superstitions.
- Community Engagement: Local leaders must take an active role in debunking myths and promoting harmony.
- Stringent Law Enforcement: Authorities must ensure swift justice for victims and harsh penalties for perpetrators.
The assault on the elderly woman in Dibrugarh is an issue that demands urgent attention. While laws like the 2018 anti-witch-hunting act provide a framework for justice, real change will only come through education, awareness, and community involvement. This tragic case should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and society alike to address the root causes of superstition-driven violence before more lives are lost.