Karbi Anglong, Assam: In a chilling incident that underscores the persistence of deep-rooted superstitions in rural Assam, eighteen people, including four women, were arrested on Friday for allegedly killing a couple by beating and setting them on fire over suspicions of witchcraft. The brutal attack, which took place inside the victims’ home, has sent shockwaves through the local community and drawn attention to the ongoing challenges of combating witch-hunting practices in the state.

According to police officials, the incident occurred on December 30, 2025, in Beloguri Munda village, located in the Howraghat area of Karbi Anglong district. Villagers had reportedly accused the couple of practising witchcraft and blamed them for a series of illnesses and misfortunes that had affected residents of the area. Tensions escalated to a deadly level when the villagers allegedly attacked the couple inside their home, ultimately setting the house on fire and causing the death of both individuals.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pushpraj Singh explained that the investigation into the incident involved extensive fieldwork, including questioning local residents and tracing eyewitness accounts. “We have identified the accused and arrested 18 people so far. Further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses,” he said. The police added that the accused were taken into custody after careful verification of their alleged involvement in the crime.

The case has been registered suo motu under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, a law designed to criminalise witch-hunting activities and provide safeguards for vulnerable communities. Witch-hunting, a practice in which individuals are accused of causing misfortune through supernatural means and punished—often violently—remains a disturbing reality in some parts of Assam, despite decades of legal prohibitions. Under this law, such offences are considered cognisable and non-bailable, enabling authorities to take immediate action against perpetrators.

In addition to the state-specific legislation, police invoked relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 103, which deals with murder. This dual approach underscores the gravity of the offence, reflecting both the communal nature of the crime and the deliberate intent to kill. Authorities noted that the crime appeared to involve collective participation, making the process of identifying individual roles and responsibilities among the accused more complex.

Senior police and district administration officials have visited Beloguri Munda village to assess the situation and ensure that law enforcement measures are effectively implemented. Residents have been questioned extensively to help ascertain the role of each accused person. “We are conducting a thorough investigation from all angles, including identifying who planned the attack, who participated directly, and who instigated the violence,” an officer involved in the probe said.

District officials emphasised that the case highlights the continued presence of superstition in interior parts of Assam, despite legal safeguards and awareness campaigns. Witch-hunting often emerges in communities where lack of education, poverty, and traditional beliefs intersect, leaving vulnerable individuals—particularly women and the elderly—exposed to violence. “The persistence of such practices underscores the need for continued awareness and outreach efforts. Legal measures alone are not sufficient; communities must be educated about the consequences of these actions,” a district administration official said.

Police in Karbi Anglong have also appealed to local residents to cooperate with investigators and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation. Officials noted that misinformation and fear often fuel collective violence in witchcraft-related cases, and unchecked narratives can lead to further unrest or retaliatory actions.

The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act was enacted to address these challenges, criminalising accusations of witchcraft, harassment, or violence against individuals allegedly practising black magic. The law also mandates the state government to carry out awareness campaigns, provide legal aid to victims, and implement measures to rehabilitate those affected. However, incidents such as the Beloguri Munda killings demonstrate that enforcement remains a challenge in remote and forested regions where local customs and beliefs hold sway over modern legal frameworks.

Experts and social workers have pointed out that witch-hunting in Assam is not a new phenomenon. Over the past few decades, there have been multiple documented cases in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and other districts where accusations of witchcraft have led to murders, beatings, and social ostracisation. Women, in particular, often become targets, as communities disproportionately blame them for misfortune or disease. In many instances, victims are elderly or otherwise marginalised members of the community.

The Karbi Anglong incident has sparked renewed calls for intensified awareness campaigns, including workshops, village meetings, and educational programs aimed at debunking myths around witchcraft. Authorities have indicated that, in addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, efforts will be made to strengthen community outreach to prevent similar occurrences in the future. “We will intensify awareness drives, engage with local leaders, and ensure that the public understands the legal and social consequences of such acts,” a district official said.

While arrests have been made, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring all possible leads to ensure that every individual involved in the crime is brought to justice. Police officials stressed that the investigation aims to be comprehensive, not only addressing immediate culpability but also mapping the social dynamics and motivations that led to the violence. “This is as much about law enforcement as it is about addressing deeply entrenched beliefs that perpetuate such crimes. Only a holistic approach can prevent future incidents,” said SSP Pushpraj Singh.

The arrests come amid growing national attention on crimes linked to superstition and traditional beliefs. In recent years, the Indian government has launched campaigns to educate rural populations on the dangers of witch-hunting and the importance of reporting criminal acts to authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands. Despite these efforts, cases continue to emerge from remote areas where literacy rates are lower, and local governance may be limited.

The Karbi Anglong killings serve as a grim reminder of the intersection between superstition and violence, highlighting how collective beliefs can escalate into mass participation in criminal acts. Law enforcement agencies, human rights organisations, and social activists stress that tackling witch-hunting requires coordinated action, combining legal accountability, community engagement, and education to challenge harmful traditional beliefs.

In conclusion, the Beloguri Munda case is a stark illustration of the lethal consequences of superstition in rural India. Eighteen arrests, including four women, have been made in connection with the killing of a couple who were beaten and burnt alive over accusations of witchcraft. The case is being investigated under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the seriousness of the crime. Authorities have emphasised the need for ongoing vigilance, awareness campaigns, and legal enforcement to prevent similar tragedies, while investigations continue to identify additional perpetrators and uncover the full extent of the incident.

As the state grapples with these deep-seated issues, officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing measures to educate communities on the dangers and illegality of witch-hunting practices.

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