This week, police in Purnia, Bihar, arrested three people believed to be involved in the murder of a tribal family accused of witchcraft. The arrests bring the total number of people named in the First Information Report (FIR) to 23, with a mob of around 150 villagers reportedly taking part in the gruesome act.
What Happened
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When & Where: On the night of July 6, 2025, in Tetgama village near Purnia, a tribal family of five was attacked by villagers who believed they practiced witchcraft .
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Victims: The slain included the family’s traditional healer, Babu Lal Oraon (65), his 82-year-old mother, his 60-year-old wife, their 25-year-old son, and 22-year-old daughter-in-law. A 17-year-old son survived and alerted the police.
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Mob Behavior: About 50 to 200 villagers reportedly beat the family, used a tractor to move bodies, and burned them in a field.
Arrests and Investigation
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Three Arrested: The police have detained Mukul Oraon, Chhotu Oraon, and Sanaullah, including the tractor driver among the accused.
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Scope of Probe: Authorities have filed an FIR naming 23 suspects and are seeking to arrest more.
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Evidence & Statements: Forensic teams and dog squads examined the crime scene. The DGP confirmed the post-mortem report showed victims were killed before being burned — they were beaten, not set on fire while alive.
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Trigger for Violence: The mob believed the family caused illnesses and death of local children through witchcraft, triggering the horrific attack.
Why This Happened: Role of Superstition
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Superstition in Rural Areas: In many remote parts of India, superstition can lead villagers to blame healers for sickness or death.
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Witch Hunts in India: Between 2001 and 2021, over 3,000 people — mostly women — were killed due to witchcraft accusations.
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Social & Economic Drivers:
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Poor education and healthcare in rural regions often lead to reliance on healers.
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This, combined with sudden illness or death, can spark mob reactions.
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Wealth and property disputes may disguise as witchcraft accusations.
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Voices & Insights
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Police: The DGP said the murders were superstition‑fuelled, and more arrests are expected.
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Local Family: A villager said, “At least five children have died in the last one-and-half years… villagers suspected it was due to witchcraft”.
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Officials: The District Magistrate noted that the crime reflects poor literacy and awareness in tribal areas.
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Political Reactions:
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The Jharkhand Chief Minister urged the Bihar government to act swiftly and stressed rising tribal violence.
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Congress and JMM leaders criticized Bihar’s law and order, while BJP defended police action and stressed crime decline .
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Wider Significance & What Needs to Be Done
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Repeating History: Such mob murders reflect a dangerous pattern seen before in rural India whenever sudden illness or death occurs.
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Needed Actions:
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Education and Awareness: Local campaigns must target superstitions and teach scientific reasoning.
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Stronger Law Enforcement: Special anti-superstition units and faster arrests could deter future lynchings.
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Healthcare Access: Better health clinics and medical facilities can reduce panic during illness.
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Legal Framework: Although six Indian states have anti-witch‑hunting laws, convictions remain rare due to poor implementation.
What’s Next?
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More Arrests: Police aim to arrest all 23 named suspects and any others involved.
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Trials & Justice: A fair and fast trial is essential to restore trust in the legal system.
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Awareness Campaigns: Local outreach to challenge superstitions and provide medical support.
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Policy Measures: Strengthen and implement laws against witch‑related violence.
Final Thoughts
The Purnia witchcraft murders are a painful reminder of how fear and superstition can destroy lives. Arresting the three suspects is a significant step forward. Yet, real change will come only if education improves, health services expand, and communities reject harmful beliefs. Only then can India move toward safer and kinder villages — for everyone.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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