News Flash Daily
1 March 
Police Say Child Killed in Obra Village After Accused Suspected Mother of Witchcraft; Murder Case Registered Under IPC
Garhwa: In a disturbing incident rooted in superstition, police in Garhwa district have arrested a man and his son for allegedly killing a three-year-old boy after suspecting that the child’s mother was involved in black magic practices. Authorities confirmed that the accused poisoned the child, leading to his death, in an act that has reignited concerns over superstition-related crimes in rural India.
According to senior police officials, the incident occurred on February 25 in Obra village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Bardih police station. The arrests were made following a detailed investigation triggered by a missing persons complaint filed by the child’s mother.
Crime Triggered by Superstition, Say Police
Police investigations revealed that the accused believed the child’s 22-year-old mother was practising black magic, which they suspected was responsible for misfortunes in their family. Acting on this belief, the father-son duo allegedly poisoned the minor, resulting in his death.
“The accused confessed during interrogation that they killed the child due to suspicion of black magic. The crime was driven purely by superstition,” a senior police officer said.
Officials added that such beliefs continue to pose serious law-and-order challenges in remote areas despite repeated awareness campaigns.
Mother’s Missing Complaint Led to Breakthrough
The case came to light after the child’s mother lodged a missing persons complaint when her son failed to return home. Police immediately launched a search operation and began questioning villagers. During the probe, inconsistencies in the statements of the accused raised suspicion, eventually leading to their arrest.
Following sustained interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to poisoning the child. The body was later recovered, and a post-mortem examination confirmed poisoning as the cause of death, police said.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy. The accused have been taken into judicial custody, and further investigation is underway to determine whether others were aware of or involved in the crime.
Officials also stated that they are examining whether prior threats or harassment linked to witchcraft accusations were reported in the village.
Superstition-Driven Crimes Under Scrutiny
The incident has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of superstition and witch-hunting in parts of Jharkhand, where similar cases have surfaced in the past. Social activists have called for stronger legal enforcement and grassroots awareness to combat irrational beliefs that often target women and children.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any form of witch-hunting or superstition-based violence, assuring strict action against perpetrators.
