In a disturbing incident, a man was brutally murdered and his body subsequently burned in the Chatra district of Jharkhand. The murder is believed to be connected to accusations of witchcraft. The victim, identified as Dharmadev Uraon, was first subjected to a brutal attack, during which his tongue was severed. The assailants then beat him to death before setting his remains on fire.
The crime occurred in Khuntitola village, under the Tundwa police station. The local authorities were alerted to the incident and immediately launched an investigation. However, the perpetrators managed to escape before the police arrived. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the suspects.
The investigation suggests the murder was the result of a dispute stemming from a prior death in the community. The family of a deceased neighbor of Uraon accused him of practicing black magic, attributing the death to his alleged sorcery. It is believed the murder was carried out as an act of retribution.
Police investigations have revealed that several individuals were involved in the heinous act, and a search operation is ongoing.
This incident echoes a similar case from Gumla district in March 2025, where a woman named Maino Devi was murdered based on accusations of witchcraft. In that instance, the accused was arrested. Maino Devi was blamed for the death of the accused’s sister-in-law, who died of a snake bite. Subsequently, Karam Pal Lakra committed the murder of Maino Devi due to the belief of black magic.