60-Yr-Old Woman Suspected Of Witchcraft Was Set On Fire In Jharkhand. Superstition Continues To Ruin Women’s Lives
It doesn’t take a genius to know that India is unsafe for women. And it seems as though people have taken it upon themselves to ensure that we don’t forget that fact. When you combine the aggression towards women intertwined with superstitions and assumptions, it becomes deadly and catastrophic at the same time. In fact, the crimes related to these superstitions have been on a rise lately. Just this Wednesday, a 60-year-old woman from Jharkhand was set on fire because people assumed that she was practising witchcraft. What even?
A 60-year-old tribal woman, Jhario Devi, from Simdega district, Jharkhand was beaten and then set on fire by a few of the villagers because they suspected her of practising witchcraft. The police investigating the case that took place in Kurpaani village said that they have arrested 6 people so far.
Also Read: Two Women Killed Over Suspicion Of Practicing ‘Witchcraft’. Why Is This Okay?
The case comes under the Tethaitangar police station and one of the officials working on the case revealed that Jhario Devi and her husband had come to attend the funeral of Florence Dungung’s wife. The official further added, “Florence reportedly accused the woman of practising witchcraft and held her responsible for his wife’s death. He and a few others present there, thrashed her and then set her on fire after pouring kerosene on her. On hearing her scream, other villagers present in the neighbourhood rushed to the house and rescued her.”
Also Read: A Man Beheaded A Woman And Carried Her Head To The Police Station Because He Suspected She Practised Witchcraft. There’s No End To Superstition In This Country
Reports suggest the woman who was suspected of practising witchcraft and set on fire, suffered from 30% burn injuries was shifted from Simdega district hospital to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. Talking about the case, Shams Tabrez, Simdega superintendent of police (SP) said, “The incident took place between 9 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday. On getting information, police rushed to the spot but by then, her relatives and other villagers had already taken her to Simdega Sadar hospital. Doctors said the woman suffered around 30 percent burns. She has been referred to RIMS for better treatment.” Furthermore, based on the complaint filed by Jhario Devi and her son, the police have managed to arrest 6 people.
It really shocks me that even today, in the 21st century, there are many Indians who believe in things like black magic and witchcraft. Now, I’m not saying don’t believe it, everyone has a right to their beliefs but based on that causing harm to someone else is definitely unacceptable!
