In a shocking and tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 63-year-old tribal woman named Nandarani Debbarma was brutally killed on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Abhicharan village under the Sidhai Police Station limits of West Tripura district.
The incident came to light when the woman went missing earlier this week, prompting concerned residents to inform the police. Following a tip-off, a special operation was launched by the authorities in the area, leading to the discovery of the woman’s body in a nearby forest on October 26.
Sidhai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ajit Kumar Chakma confirmed that an FIR was filed after the recovery of the body, and three individuals from the same locality were apprehended on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the gruesome murder.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a section of villagers believed that two families in the area were falling ill due to supposed “black magic” practiced by the victim. Acting on this baseless superstition, a mob descended upon her home on October 26, mercilessly lynching her before burying her body in the forest in a bid to conceal the crime.
The arrested individuals are currently being questioned as the authorities work to unravel the full extent of the tragedy. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from residents and activists alike, highlighting the urgent need to address and dispel harmful superstitions and beliefs that continue to plague society.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a member and the darkness that such senseless violence brings to light.
