In a shocking incident that has gripped Jharkhand’s Palamu district, three members of the same family were brutally murdered in Kusri village under Panki police station limits. The grisly attack, believed to be fueled by deep-seated superstitions, unfolded late Saturday night when two brothers allegedly took the law into their own hands.
The tragedy began with the death of Mahesi Bhuiyan, an elderly man who had been ill for some time. His sons, Rabindra Bhuiyan and Promod Bhuiyan, wasted no time in pointing fingers at their neighbor, Vijay Bhuiyan. Convinced that Vijay was practicing black magic or witchcraft – locally known as ‘ojha-guni’ – that caused their father’s demise, the brothers stormed his home armed with sharp weapons.
What followed was a scene of unimaginable violence. Vijay Bhuiyan, aged around 45, his wife, and their young son were hacked to death in their own home. A minor girl and another woman, Neetu Devi, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Local residents, still reeling from the horror, described the village as shrouded in fear. ‘This is pure superstition at its deadliest,’ said one villager who wished to remain anonymous. ‘People here still believe in witch doctors and sorcery, and it costs innocent lives.’
Panki police arrived swiftly after receiving reports of the attack. They secured the crime scene, sent the three bodies for post-mortem examination, and launched an intensive manhunt. In a quick breakthrough, both accused brothers – Rabindra and Promod – were arrested shortly after fleeing the scene.
This triple homicide underscores the persistent menace of superstition in rural India. Despite numerous awareness campaigns, blind faith continues to trigger violent outbursts, claiming lives and shattering families. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation, but the community demands more than just arrests – they want an end to the ignorance that breeds such brutality.
As the village mourns, questions linger: How many more lives will be lost to baseless fears before education and reason prevail? The incident serves as a grim reminder of the work still needed to eradicate superstitious beliefs from the heartland.