Son Murders 70-Year-Old Mother in Jharkhand Over Witchcraft Suspicions: A Case of Deadly Superstition

The murder weapon, a knife, has been recovered by authorities.

Dumka:

In a tragic incident in Jharkhand's Dumka district, a 41-year-old man allegedly murdered his elderly mother, aged 70, after accusing her of practicing witchcraft. The violent attack occurred at Bhadra Digha village, according to police reports released Monday.

Police officials stated that the incident took place on October 28 when the accused fatally stabbed his mother, Muni Soren. The victim was rushed to a hospital in Dumka where she received treatment but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries on Saturday.

Authorities apprehended the suspect on Sunday at his residence in Madhuban. Following his arrest, he was placed under judicial custody, confirmed Sumit Bhagat, Officer-in-Charge of Gopikander Police Station, in a statement to PTI.

Bhagat explained, "The victim's daughter filed a complaint against her brother only after her mother passed away. The accused believed his mother was practicing witchcraft and blamed her for the recent death of his 18-year-old daughter."

According to police reports, this was not the first time the accused had attempted to harm his mother.

"The suspect admitted that on the night of October 28, he was heavily intoxicated and obsessing over his deceased daughter. In a fit of rage, he traveled to his sister's home and repeatedly stabbed his mother," Bhagat revealed.

Police have secured the knife used in the attack as evidence.

Bhagat also mentioned that law enforcement is planning educational initiatives about the Jharkhand Witchcraft Prevention Act, 2001, targeted at remote communities.

"We are coordinating with the District Legal Services Authority (DALSA) to organize awareness programs in isolated villages located within dense forests, where illiteracy rates remain high and contribute to such incidents," he concluded.