Wed Dec 04 11:52:22 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand Woman Tortured for Four Months, Accused of Witchcraft
**Ranchi, Jharkhand:** A 50-year-old tribal woman, Mangri Uraon, from Chutio village, 50 kilometers from Ranchi, has been subjected to relentless harassment for the past four months after being falsely accused of witchcraft. Uraon’s family lives in constant fear.
According to Uraon, the entire village has turned against her. After her home was destroyed, she temporarily left the village. Upon returning to harvest her paddy crop, the harassment resumed. She filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Narkopi police station. However, when police attempted to intervene, they were met with resistance from villagers and forced to withdraw.
The accusations stem from the deaths of three or four villagers in recent months. Villagers consulted an exorcist who allegedly blamed Uraon. She claims villagers demanded a bribe of four lakh rupees to “cure” the village. Upon her refusal, the harassment intensified.
The Narkopi police station confirmed that an FIR was filed two months ago under sections 107, 113, and 116 of the Indian Penal Code. While police are investigating and attempting to mediate, they faced initial resistance from the villagers. Police intervention was required to allow Uraon to harvest her paddy crop, although some remains unharvested. The police stated that they are committed to resolving the matter swiftly. The incident highlights the continuing issue of witch-hunting in certain parts of India.
First Piper 