Woman killed over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand; two arrested

Two persons have been taken into custody following the death of a woman in Jharkhand on Tuesday evening, authorities said. According to a police complaint, the accused individuals visited the woman's home and subsequently took her to a nearby forest where she was fatally beaten with a stone.

The incident highlights the persistent problem of violence linked to witchcraft accusations across parts of India, particularly in eastern states. Such crimes, often rooted in superstition and community belief systems, continue to claim lives despite growing awareness and legal interventions.

The Jharkhand Police registered a case following the complaint and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. The exact motive and details of the witchcraft allegation remained under investigation as authorities gathered statements from witnesses and the accused.

State authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to combat crimes perpetrated under the pretext of witchcraft accusations, with various awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of existing laws aimed at preventing such incidents.