Guwahati: Police arrested 18 people, including four women, for allegedly killing a couple who were burnt alive on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh said police are carrying out a scientific investigation at the crime scene. He asserted that the administration will not tolerate such acts of violence.
"I inspected the site where the incident took place. We have arrested 18 people so far after collecting evidence. A scientific investigation will also be conducted," Singh told the media on Saturday.
Meanwhile, referring to a recent court verdict, Singh said a court sentenced 23 people to life imprisonment in a witch-hunting case in Sivasagar a few months ago. He added that authorities would ensure justice in the Karbi Anglong case as well.
The incident occurred on December 30 at 1 No. Beloguri Munda Gaon under Hawraghat police station. The victims, identified as Gardi Birowa and Mira Birowa, were allegedly attacked by villagers on suspicion of practising witchcraft.
According to police, a team rushed to the spot after receiving information and found the couple's house vandalised. A fire was still burning in the front yard when the police arrived.
Following the incident, police registered a suo motu case under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act. Relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were also invoked.
Condemning the crime, Singh urged people to stay away from superstition-driven violence. He said such beliefs have no place in a modern society.
"These cases are baseless in this era. We appeal to people to ensure that such incidents do not recur," he said.
Meanwhile, local residents said a lack of awareness continues to fuel witch-hunting in remote areas. They called on the state government to launch sustained awareness campaigns to prevent superstition-led violence.