A 32-year-old woman and her two-month-old baby were killed in a mob attack in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, after locals allegedly accused her of practising witchcraft, police said.
The incident occurred around 9 pm on February 17 when the family was at home. The woman’s husband, Kolhan Sinku, also sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
Mob gathers outside home
According to police, Kolhan was at home with his wife Jyoti Sinku, their infant, his two-year-old son and his first wife when a relative called him outside. The family was confronted by a group of around a dozen villagers who accused Jyoti of being responsible for misfortune in the area.
Despite Kolhan’s request to resolve the matter peacefully before village elders the following day, the crowd allegedly turned violent.
Police said the mob attacked the family, resulting in severe burn injuries. Kolhan managed to escape and later approached authorities to report the crime.
Arrests made, probe underway
Officers from the Jharkhand Police reached the spot and recovered the bodies, which were sent for post-mortem examination. Four individuals have been arrested so far.
Jagannathpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Raphael Murmu confirmed that several others are being identified and questioned. Preliminary investigation suggests that superstition may have triggered the attack, with villagers allegedly blaming the woman for a relative’s prolonged illness.
Police said further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of superstition and mob violence in rural areas, prompting calls for awareness and stronger community intervention.