Tribal Families Accused: In a shocking instance of superstition-fueled persecution, three tribal families in a remote village of West Bengal have been accused of practicing witchcraft, branded as “daayans,” and subjected to social ostracism, public humiliation, and extortion of ₹2.35 lakh. What began as suspicion over illness and misfortune spiraled into organized harassment, exposing once again how witch-hunting and superstition continue to plague parts of rural Bengal despite decades of awareness campaigns and legal reforms.
The victims, all belonging to impoverished tribal communities, now live in fear, cut off from basic resources and communal life, as local human rights groups demand strong action and enforcement of anti-witch-hunting laws.
Accusations Spark Chaos in the Village
According to statements gathered by local social workers and authorities, the families were accused after a spate of unexplained illnesses and livestock deaths. Rumors spread that the victims had cast “evil eyes” on villagers. Within days, self-proclaimed witch-hunters and local leaders allegedly formed a makeshift village court, where the accused were forced to “confess” under pressure.
In exchange for being “forgiven,” the families were reportedly made to pay ₹2.35 lakh collectively. When they resisted, they were ostracised, denied water from public wells, and barred from participating in social or religious functions.
“They called us witches, took our savings, and told us to leave the village,” said one of the victims, trembling as she recounted her ordeal to an activist. “Our children are not allowed to play with others. We are treated like outcasts.”
Local NGOs assisting the victims described the scene as one of “institutionalized cruelty rooted in ignorance.”
Pattern of Witch-Hunting in Tribal Bengal
This case, though horrifying, is not isolated. The practice of witch-hunting among tribal populations in districts like Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Purulia, and Bankura has been a recurring social evil. It often arises from a blend of superstition, gender bias, and power imbalance.
Experts explain that witch-hunting in tribal regions is deeply linked to patriarchal structures, property disputes, and lack of access to healthcare. When misfortunes strike — whether disease, death, or failed crops — blame often falls upon vulnerable women or marginalized families, who become convenient scapegoats.
According to a 2023 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 120 people were killed across India in witch-hunting related incidents that year, with West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha accounting for a significant share.
“People still believe that disease and misfortune are caused by sorcery,” explained a researcher from North Bengal University’s Department of Anthropology. “In communities where education and healthcare access are limited, superstition fills the void of scientific understanding.”
Tribal Families Accused: The Modus Operandi of Extortion
Investigators revealed that the accused families were subjected not only to social exclusion but also to systematic extortion. The families were told that the only way to “appease spirits” and “cleanse” the village was by paying hefty sums to a local witch-hunter and his associates.
“They demanded money several times, saying rituals needed to be performed,” said one victim’s son. “We borrowed from neighbors, sold goats, and even mortgaged our land. Still, they kept asking for more.”
The extortionists reportedly threatened to burn down their huts if they refused to pay. Witnesses claim that some local influencers supported the campaign to maintain control over the tribal population through fear.
Authorities have promised strict action against the perpetrators. However, villagers say the fear of retaliation has kept most witnesses silent.
Legal Vacuum and Weak Implementation
While states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar have enacted specific anti-witch-hunting laws, West Bengal lacks a dedicated statute against such practices. The accused in such cases are charged under general provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as:
- Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt)
- Section 384 (extortion)
- Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
- Section 120B (criminal conspiracy)
Legal experts emphasize that without a focused law, police often treat witch-hunting as a “village dispute” rather than a serious human rights violation.
“Witch-branding cases require specialized investigation and victim protection,” said a lawyer associated with the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN). “Without a dedicated framework, victims remain vulnerable, and perpetrators exploit community silence.”
In neighboring Jharkhand, the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 2001 has enabled swifter arrests and improved victim protection. Activists argue that West Bengal urgently needs similar legislation.
Impact on the Victims: Fear, Shame, and Loss
The trauma inflicted upon the ostracised families runs deep. They have not only lost their money but also their dignity, social belonging, and emotional security. Neighbors who once shared food with them now turn their backs. The victims’ children face bullying and discrimination at school, while the adults are shunned in local markets and denied basic labor opportunities.
Social workers assisting the victims describe the psychological toll as “immeasurable.”
“Once labeled as witches, they are permanently tainted in community memory,” said an activist from Paschim Banga Adivasi Mahila Samiti, an organization fighting witch-hunting. “Even if they move to another village, the stigma follows them. It’s a lifetime sentence of social death.”
One of the victims, a widow, narrated that her husband’s relatives instigated the witchcraft rumor to seize her late husband’s property. “They said I was a witch who killed him. Now I am left with nothing,” she said.
Why Superstition Still Thrives
Sociologists say the persistence of witchcraft accusations is a symptom of deeper socio-economic issues. The main factors include:
- Illiteracy and lack of awareness — Poor education levels hinder scientific reasoning.
- Absence of medical access — Villagers attribute illness to curses in the absence of doctors.
- Poverty and inequality — Marginalized groups become easy scapegoats.
- Patriarchal dominance — Women who assert independence or inherit land face higher risk.
- Weak policing and fear — Locals hesitate to report crimes against powerful village factions.
“Superstition isn’t merely belief — it’s a mechanism of social control,” said a Kolkata-based sociologist. “When communities feel powerless, they explain suffering through fear and faith rather than science.”
Government and Civil Society Reaction
Following the revelation, local authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident. The Block Development Officer (BDO) and District Magistrate (DM) of the area have reportedly assured the families of protection and compensation. Police patrols have been increased in the affected hamlets.
Meanwhile, rights groups and tribal welfare NGOs have called for awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and stronger rehabilitation programs for victims. They are also demanding that the government include anti-witch-hunting education in school curricula in tribal-dominated districts.
The West Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW) has expressed concern, stating that branding women as witches is a “heinous and gendered form of violence.” It has requested detailed reports from local police and pledged to assist in the victims’ rehabilitation.
For factual reference on laws and statistics, readers may explore:
The Road to Reform: What Needs to Change
To prevent recurrence of such barbaric acts, experts propose several urgent measures:
- Adopt a State-Level Anti-Witch-Hunting Act in West Bengal, similar to Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Launch health and education programs in tribal belts to combat superstition.
- Empower tribal women’s collectives to resist social coercion and report early warning signs.
- Train police and judiciary in handling witch-hunting cases with cultural sensitivity.
- Provide rehabilitation funds and legal aid for victims to rebuild their lives.
- Media sensitization campaigns highlighting the brutality of superstition-driven crimes.
“Superstition kills silently — not only through violence but also through the erasure of dignity,” said an activist from the National Federation of Dalit and Adivasi Rights (NFDAR). “We need policy, compassion, and punishment in equal measure.”
Conclusion: A Cry for Justice and Enlightenment
The ostracism and extortion of three tribal families in West Bengal stand as a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, pockets of deep superstition and ignorance persist across India’s rural heartlands. Beyond the headlines lies a profound question: how can a society that sends satellites to space still allow its citizens to suffer under medieval fears?
Until laws are reformed, education strengthened, and empathy cultivated, the cycle of witch-hunting will continue — destroying lives, silencing voices, and haunting communities with superstition and injustice.
For more on human rights and rural reform efforts in India, visit:
👉 https://nhrc.nic.in
👉 https://ncrb.gov.in
👉 https://india.unwomen.org
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