Elderly Woman Killed Over Witchcraft Allegation in Chaibasa

Accused Surrenders After Brutal Murder in Gudri’s Remote Village

Key Points:

• 70-year-old woman lynched in Gulikeda Raida village over witchcraft claim
• Daughter missing after attack; accused later surrendered to police
• Police sent body for post-mortem, investigation currently underway

CHAIBASA – A shocking case of witch-hunting has emerged from a remote part of West Singhbhum district where a 70-year-old woman was killed on suspicion of witchcraft.

The incident occurred in Gulikeda Raida village under Gudri block. The victim, identified as Tukni Lomga, was returning home from her paddy field on Friday evening when she was allegedly attacked with stones.

According to reports, the accused, Gomya Horro, struck her repeatedly until she died on the spot. Meanwhile, her daughter, Putli Lomga, who was present during the assault, managed to flee but has not been traced since.

However, soon after the killing, the accused surrendered at the Gudri police station. Police have taken him into custody and begun a detailed investigation into the case.

The body has been sent to Chakradharpur Sub-Divisional Hospital for post-mortem. Authorities said efforts are on to locate the missing daughter. “We are treating it as a case of superstition-driven murder,” said a source familiar with the investigation.

The gruesome incident underscores the continuing prevalence of witch-hunting in Jharkhand. Similar cases have been reported in various parts of the state, reflecting deep-rooted superstitions that often turn deadly.

In 2024 alone, several such attacks were recorded in West Singhbhum and Gumla districts, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of anti-witch-hunting laws and greater awareness campaigns.

For deeper insight, read more about Jharkhand’s battle against witch-hunting, a recent case of witchcraft suspicions in Gumla, efforts by DLSA’s mobile legal aid camps, and initiatives like FLAC’s recognition of Padma Shri Chhutni Mahato who has long campaigned against witch-hunting in the region.