In a shocking event, Assam woman burnt alive over witchcraft infer

Guwahati: In a heartbreaking incident from Assam’s Sonitpur district, a 30-year-old woman named Sangita Kati tragically lost her life after being accused of witchcraft.
This horrific incident took place on the night of 25th December 2023 in village Behabari under the jurisdiction of Tezpur Police Station.
Sangita was attacked by her neighbor Suraj Baghwar, who allegedly brought people from outside his village along with accomplices in a drunken state to carry out the heinous act.
The gang tied up Sangita’s husband before attacking her with sharp weapons and eventually setting her on fire. Sangita succumbed to her injuries despite being rushed to the local government hospital.

The police, informed by residents, promptly responded to the scene. Superintendent of Police Susanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that six individuals were arrested in connection with the murder, including Ajay Sanghar, Dhiraj Bhaguwar, Suraj Bhaguwar, Pinku Malhar, Baila Sanghar, and Babul Nagdhar, all aged between 30 and 35.

The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine if the motive behind the killing was indeed related to suspicions of witchcraft.

The suspects have been charged with murder, forcibly confining, and torturing a woman, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation unfolds. They are expected to be presented before the court soon.

Meanwhile, Sangita’s body was sent to the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital for a post-mortem examination, and a report is awaited.

This tragic event has once again brought to light the persistent issue of witch-hunting in Assam, a decades-old problem that continues to claim lives and spread fear among communities.