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Key Points

A horrific incident in Jharkhand's Lohardaga district has shocked the community as three members of the Nagesia family were brutally murdered over witchcraft suspicions. The victims, including a nine-year-old child, were attacked with axes while sleeping in their home by unknown assailants. Local tensions and long-standing rumors of witchcraft appear to have motivated the gruesome killings. Authorities are investigating the case and have promised to identify and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime.

Key Points: Jharkhand Family Murdered Over Witchcraft Accusations in Lohardaga

  • Brutal murder of family highlights dangerous witch-hunting practices in rural Jharkhand
  • Three victims killed with axes while sleeping in Kekrang Bartoli village
  • Sole survivor Sukhmania reveals ongoing harassment over witchcraft allegations
  • Police investigating multiple angles in shocking superstition-linked crime
2 min read

Three of a family hacked to death over suspicion of witchcraft in Jharkhand's Lohardaga

Three members of Nagesia family brutally killed in horrific superstition-driven attack, leaving community in shock and demanding justice

"On Wednesday night, my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were asleep when several men broke in and attacked them with an axe. - Sukhmania Nagesia, Sole Survivor"

Lohardaga, Oct 9

In a shocking incident linked to superstition, three members of a family were brutally murdered on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Lohardaga district, officials said.

The killings took place late Wednesday night in Kekrang Bartoli village, under the jurisdiction of the Peshrar police station. The deceased have been identified as Laxman Nagesia (47), his wife Bifani Nagesia (45), and their nine-year-old son Ramvilas Nagesia.

According to police, the attackers used sharp-edged weapons, including an axe and a spade, to slit the victims' throats while they were asleep. After committing the murders, the assailants allegedly locked the house from the outside and fled.

The incident came to light on Thursday morning when neighbours grew suspicious after the family did not open the door for a long time.

They informed the police, following which SDPO Vedant Shankar and Peshrar Station House Officer Virendra Kumar reached the spot with a police team. The bodies were recovered and sent for a post-mortem.

At the time of the incident, four members of the family were present in the house. The sole survivor, Sukhmania Nagesia, told police that the family had been facing harassment from some villagers who accused them of practising witchcraft.

"A village panchayat had been convened earlier on the same issue," she said in her statement.

"On Wednesday night, my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were asleep when several men broke in and attacked them with an axe. I was locked in my room from the outside and could not raise an alarm," she added.

SDPO Shankar said the exact motive is yet to be confirmed, but superstition and witchcraft allegations appear to be the primary cause.

"All possible angles are being examined. Police teams have been deployed to identify and arrest the culprits. The case will be cracked soon," he said.

Local sources said that rumours of witchcraft had been circulating in the village for months, and tensions between the family and some residents had been simmering.

The brutal murders have triggered panic and outrage in Kekrang Bartoli and nearby villages. Residents have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger action against the spread of superstition-related violence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is heartbreaking. The police should have intervened when the panchayat was discussing this issue. Preventive action could have saved three innocent lives. Hope the culprits are caught soon and given the strictest punishment.
A
Aditya G
Education and awareness are the only solutions to eradicate such medieval practices. Our schools should include critical thinking and scientific temper in the curriculum from an early age. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for our society.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, I've seen how deeply superstitions are rooted in some communities. While I respect local traditions, violence in the name of witchcraft must be condemned strongly. The local administration needs to be more proactive.
M
Michael C
This is truly disturbing. The fact that this happened in 2023 shows how much work still needs to be done. My heart goes out to the sole survivor who had to witness this horror. Hope she gets proper counseling and support.
K
Kavya N
While the police response seems prompt, I wonder why no action was taken when the family reported harassment earlier. There needs to be better coordination between village administration and police to prevent such incidents. Justice must be served for this poor family. 🙏

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