Garhwa, Jharkhand – In a chilling incident underscoring the persistence of superstition in parts of rural India, police in Jharkhand’s Garhwa district have arrested three individuals, including a woman, for the murder of a man suspected of practicing witchcraft. The incident, which took place on Friday night, has shocked local residents and reignited debates about superstition, gender-based violence, and the need for stronger awareness campaigns in rural areas.

According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Shri Bansidhar Nagar, Satyendra Narayan Singh, authorities received information on Saturday regarding an unidentified body found in a passenger shed near Dudhmania Ghat on the Bhawnathpur-Ketar Main Road, located within the jurisdiction of Bhawnathpur police station. The initial report prompted an immediate investigation by local police, who cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence at the scene.

Identification of the Deceased

The body was later identified as that of Rukhi Rajwar, a resident of Murma Kala village in the Pandu police station area of Palamu district. “Based on documents recovered at the scene, we were able to establish the identity of the deceased as Rukhi Rajwar,” SDPO Singh told reporters. The post-mortem examination confirmed that Rukhi had been shot in the head, and police noted signs of premeditation in the manner of the killing.

Further investigation revealed that the murder was motivated by superstition and suspicions of witchcraft. Police said the accused believed that Rukhi had caused the death of a child in one of the families through supernatural means, a claim deeply rooted in local superstitious beliefs.

Arrests and Confession

Following leads obtained from the crime scene and initial questioning of locals, the police took Sita Rajwar, a resident of Semri village in the Untari Road police station area of Palamu district, into custody. During interrogation, Sita allegedly confessed that she had conspired with her cousin’s husband, Manoj Rajwar, to kill Rukhi. Further investigation also implicated Manmati Kunwar, a resident of Singhitoli village, who was subsequently arrested.

Authorities stated that Sita’s motivation was tied to a personal tragedy. Sita had recently lost her daughter, and, according to police, she was informed by community members that the child’s death had occurred as a result of witchcraft, allegedly practiced by Rukhi. This belief reportedly prompted Sita to plan and execute the murder, seeking revenge against someone she believed had caused her loss.

The Murder

Police reports indicate that on the night of the crime, the three accused lured Rukhi onto a motorcycle and drove him to a secluded stretch on the Bhawnathpur-Ketar road. After consuming alcohol, Sita allegedly shot Rukhi in the head, resulting in his immediate death. Following the murder, the perpetrators hid the weapon near the crime scene in an attempt to evade detection.

Based on information provided by the accused during police questioning, authorities recovered two country-made pistols, one live 3.15 bore cartridge, a spent cartridge, a mobile phone, and the motorcycle used in the crime. The recovery of these items provided critical evidence linking the accused to the crime.

SDPO Singh noted that Manmati Kunwar, one of the accused, had a prior criminal record. She had previously been jailed in a case related to witchcraft and sorcery, indicating a pattern of involvement in superstitious or occult-related crimes.

Judicial Custody and Further Investigation

All three accused—Sita Rajwar, Manoj Rajwar, and Manmati Kunwar—have been sent to judicial custody, pending further investigation. Police are continuing their inquiry to ascertain whether other individuals were involved or if the act was limited to the three arrested persons. Authorities have also begun examining the extent to which local superstitions and social pressures may have contributed to the crime.

“While the immediate perpetrators have been apprehended, our investigation will also focus on the social and cultural factors that allow such beliefs to manifest into violence,” said SDPO Singh. He added that efforts are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in remote areas where superstition and fear of witchcraft are still prevalent.

Superstition and Violence in Rural India

The incident in Garhwa is part of a broader pattern of witchcraft-related violence reported across several states in India, including Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. Individuals, often women or marginalized community members, are accused of practicing witchcraft and subsequently subjected to violence, harassment, or even murder. According to government data, hundreds of such cases are reported annually, though many go unrecorded due to fear of social stigma.

Experts emphasize that the combination of superstition, lack of education, and weak law enforcement in rural areas contributes to the persistence of such crimes. “These incidents are not merely isolated acts of violence—they are a reflection of deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and a lack of awareness regarding legal recourse and human rights,” said a social activist working on women and child welfare in Jharkhand.

Government and Police Response

In response to such incidents, the Jharkhand Police has been conducting awareness campaigns in rural districts, educating people about the legal consequences of witch-hunting and promoting rational thinking. Police officials have also established special helplines and complaint cells for victims of superstition-based violence to report threats and harassment.

The Garhwa case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of anti-witchcraft laws, combined with community education programs to combat harmful superstitions. Authorities have urged local leaders and community elders to actively participate in spreading awareness and discouraging such practices.

Social Implications

The murder of Rukhi Rajwar has left local residents in shock and highlights the vulnerability of individuals accused of witchcraft in rural India. Neighbors and villagers expressed fear and concern, noting that suspicion and rumor can quickly escalate into violence, especially when fueled by personal grievances or community pressure.

“This incident is tragic, but it also serves as a wake-up call. We need to address the root causes—superstition, lack of education, and unchecked local influence—that allow such crimes to happen,” said one local resident, requesting anonymity.

Conclusion

The arrest of three individuals in connection with the murder of Rukhi Rajwar in Garhwa district brings some measure of justice in a case marked by superstition, fear, and premeditated violence. However, it also highlights the continuing challenges faced by law enforcement and civil society in addressing superstition-driven crimes in rural India.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to thorough investigation and prosecution, while also emphasizing the need for public awareness programs to prevent similar tragedies. The Garhwa incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by blind belief in witchcraft and the urgent need for education, social reform, and vigilant policing in rural communities.

As the judicial process moves forward, the focus will remain not only on punishing the perpetrators but also on creating a preventive framework to protect vulnerable individuals from being falsely accused of witchcraft, thereby safeguarding human life and promoting rationality in society.