Bihar: 5 killed, burnt in tribal village; police see witchcraft angle, suspect entire community’s role

A family of five were killed in Bihar’s Purnea district on suspicion of witchcraft, the police said, adding that the bodies of the victims were also found burnt. It is, however, not clear whether they were burnt alive or set on fire after they were killed.

The police have said that the incident occurred in Tetgama village of Purnea district on Sunday night. Officials have arrested three persons suspected of being involved in the case, although the police believe the entire village may have a role to play in the murders.

Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sadar Purnea, said, “It is an Oraon community village, with most of the villagers belonging to the tribal group. We received information that five members of a family were assaulted and killed. Whether they were burnt alive or set on fire after death is under investigation.”

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The officer added that a 16-year-old member of the family, who was spared from the brutal killings as he was away from home, informed the police first of the incident.

“Four names are mentioned in the FIR, three have been arrested, but indications are emerging that the entire village may have been involved. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused and we are also investigating to check for any further involvements,” Sharma said.

The SDPO stated that initial investigations indicate the attack may have been sparked by a conflict related to “jhaad-phook”.

Sharma said, “Prima facie, it appears that the incident was triggered by a dispute over traditional healing practices or alleged witchcraft. The family of Babu Lal Oraon, who practised such rituals, is believed to have been targeted after a child from Ramdev Oraon’s family died three days ago and another fell ill. It appears that this may have led to the attack.”

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The case has drawn attention from political circles ahead of the Bihar elections. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “In Purnia, five members of the same family were burned alive and killed. Due to the DK Tax, lawlessness in Bihar is at its peak, the DGP/Chief Secretary are helpless, and law and order has collapsed.”

“Day before yesterday in Siwan, three people were killed in a massacre. In recent days, three were killed in Buxar. In Bhojpur, three people were massacred. Criminals are on alert mode and the chief minister is unconscious! DK is enjoying it. Because DK is the real boss,” he added without mentioning what “DK” is.