Witch-Hunt Horror in Assam: Couple Killed After House Set on Fire in Karbi Anglong Over Superstition

A couple has been murdered in a tragic incident fueled by suspicions of witchcraft. The heinous crime took place at Beloguri Munda Village No. 1, under the jurisdiction of Howraghat in the Karbi Anglong district.

The deceased have been identified as Gardi Birua (43) and his wife, Mira Birua (33).

To curb crimes arising from witchcraft-related superstitions, particularly in Assam and other tribal-dominated regions, the Supreme Court had previously issued strict directives. These mandates state that anyone identifying or branding an individual as a "witch" will face severe legal punishment.

However, defying these judicial orders and driven by blind superstition, miscreants in Karbi Anglong targeted the couple, ultimately setting their house on fire while they were inside.

Officials from the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and the district administration have arrived at the scene, and a formal investigation into the incident is underway.

Speaking to ANI, Pushpraj Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Karbi Anglong, said it appeared to be a case of witch-hunting. "It is a witch-hunting case, and it appears that they attacked and allegedly burned them to death," he said.

He further added that the police have launched operations to apprehend the culprits.

A senior police official said that at around 8:25 pm on December 30, the police received information over the phone that a couple had allegedly been killed by villagers on suspicion of witch-hunting at 1 No. Beloguri Munda Gaon under the Howraghat police station.

"On receipt of the information, police team immediately proceeded to the spot. On arrival, it was found that the house of Gardi Beruwa, S/o Late Matu Beruwa, resident of 1 No. Beloguri Munda Gaon, was in a vandalized condition, and fire was burning in the front yard of the house. On enquiry, it was learnt that Gardi Beruwa (aged about 46 years) and his wife Mira Beruwa were allegedly murdered by villagers on suspicion of witch-hunting and their bodies were burnt to ashes in the front yard of their house," the police official said.

He further said that during the inspection of the place of occurrence, the items were seized: soil mixed with blood samples, one wooden stick, and one plastic Gamla containing liquid cow dung, suspected to have been used to wipe out bloodstains from the place of occurrence.

Police personnel have been deployed to the scene to secure the crime scene, and further legal action has been initiated.

Earlier, on May 6 this year, the Assam government notified the Assam State Policy to Combat Human Trafficking and End Witch-Hunting.

(With inputs from ANI)