Family Brutally Murdered Over Witchcraft Suspicions in Jharkhand: A Tragic Case of Deadly Superstition

The brutal killings have sparked fear and indignation throughout Kekrang Bartoli village and surrounding areas.

Lohardaga district in Jharkhand witnessed a horrifying incident where three family members were savagely murdered over allegations of practicing witchcraft, according to officials.

The tragic event occurred late Wednesday night in Kekrang Bartoli village within the Peshrar police station jurisdiction. The victims were identified as 47-year-old Laxman Nagesia, his wife Bifani Nagesia (45), and their young son Ramvilas Nagesia, aged nine.

Police investigations revealed that the assailants utilized sharp weapons, specifically an axe and a spade, to slit the throats of the victims while they slept. Following the murders, the perpetrators reportedly locked the residence from outside before fleeing the scene.

The gruesome discovery was made Thursday morning when neighbors became concerned after noticing the family's door remained closed for an extended period.

After being alerted, SDPO Vedant Shankar and Station House Officer Virendra Kumar from Peshrar arrived at the location with a police team. The victims' bodies were subsequently recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

During the incident, four family members were present in the house. Sukhmania Nagesia, the lone survivor, informed authorities that the family had been experiencing harassment from certain villagers who accused them of engaging in witchcraft practices.

"A village panchayat had previously convened regarding this matter," she stated.

"On Wednesday night, my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were sleeping when multiple individuals broke in and attacked them with an axe. I was confined in my room, locked from outside, and unable to call for help," she further explained.

SDPO Shankar stated that while the exact motive remains to be confirmed, superstitious beliefs and witchcraft accusations appear to be the primary cause behind the killings.

"We are investigating all possible angles. Police teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend the culprits. The case will be solved soon," he assured.

Local sources indicated that rumors regarding witchcraft had been circulating throughout the village for months, creating tension between the family and certain residents.

The horrific murders have generated fear and outrage among residents of Kekrang Bartoli and neighboring villages. Community members are demanding immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger measures against violence stemming from superstitious beliefs.