GUWAHATI: In a significant development, the Dhemaji district police, stationed at Silapathar Police Station, apprehended seven individuals, including four women, on Monday morning, for their alleged involvement in a witch-hunting case.
The incident occurred on May 17 in the Bormukali-Balijaan village under the Sissiborgaon circle of Dhemaji district, as per reports.
According to the Dhemaji Police, a group of villagers targeted a woman, falsely accusing her of practicing witchcraft. The unruly mob subjected her to brutal torture and forced her family into exile from their native village.
The assailants publicly humiliated the woman, beating her with a stick and stripping her of clothes, as per the police officials.
The victim's son filed a complaint on May 22 at the Silapathar Police Station, demanding legal action against those responsible for his mother's ordeal. The complainant alleged that the attackers had defamed his mother by associating her with black magic practices, in an attempt to seize the family's land and other properties in Balijan village.
He also urged the Dhemaji Superintendent of Police to oversee the case and ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation.
In response to the complaint, the police investigated sections 325/354/506/34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention & Protection) Act, 2015.
Seven individuals, including four women, were arrested in connection with the witch-hunting case. The arrested individuals are presently in the custody of the Dhemaji police.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) in Dhemaji has directed the Silapathar Police, through the Dhemaji Superintendent of Police, to expedite the proceedings in the case, as per reports.
The investigating officer has confirmed that evidence has been collected, and the accused and other individuals involved in the incident have been identified.
Further details into the case are awaited.
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