UKHRUL: A couple in Assam was burnt alive by a group of people in a village in Karbi Anglong district. According to police, the couple was suspected to be involved in witchcraft.
The incident occurred at No. 1 Beloguri Munda village in Howraghat area on Tuesday (December 30). The villagers accused the couple of practicing witchcraft and bringing ill effect to the surrounding area, this believe drove them to attack the couple with sharp objects inside their house and burn them alive, police added.
The deceased have been identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and Bira Birowa (33).
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Senior police and civil administration officials reached the site and started investigating to apprehend the culprits. An official stated that “The area is under the grip of superstition. People still believe in rumours, leading to sufferings of some.”
Assam has recorded a total of five cases of witch hunting from January to November 2025, The Assam Tribune reported. It is also one of the few states in India that recognizes witch hunting as a crime with a designated Act, The Assam Witch Hunting (Provision, Prevention and Protection ) Act, 2015.
According to this ACT whoever assaults or uses criminal force against a person accusing them to be a witch, resulting in their death shall be punished in accordance with section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Section 302 is the punishment for murder and whoever commits so shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.