Elderly tribal woman killed on witchcraft allegation in Birbhum, five arrested

A shocking incident of violence linked to witchcraft allegations has surfaced from Birbhum district, where an elderly tribal woman was brutally murdered in a village under the Rampurhat subdivision. The victim, identified as Chudki Hembram, was allegedly attacked and killed by neighbours who accused her of practising witchcraft. Police have arrested five accused in connection with the incident and deployed additional forces in the village following rising tension.

According to police and local sources, the incident took place on Friday evening in the Belia tribal area of Mayureshwar during Holi celebrations. The accused, led by neighbour Shivlal Kisku and his family members, allegedly confronted the elderly woman and accused her of being a witch. During the confrontation, the argument escalated into violence.

Investigators said the attackers allegedly struck the woman on the head with a heavy object and later assaulted her with a sharp weapon, leaving her critically injured in the courtyard of the house. She died on the spot. Following the incident, a police team from Mayureshwar police station rushed to the village, recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Police later arrested Shivlal Kisku, his wife Maku Kisku, his son Baburam Kisku, Baidyanath Kisku and Kushus Kisku. Several others were detained for questioning during overnight raids. Authorities also recovered the weapon used in the murder. Tension remains high in the area, and police pickets have been set up to prevent further unrest, while the victim’s family has demanded strict punishment for those involved.