Tribal woman lynched over witchcraft accusation in West Bengal’s Birbhum, five arrested

A 70‑year‑old tribal woman was allegedly lynched to death following accusations of witchcraft in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, police said on Sunday. The victim, identified as Churki Hembrom , was attacked with a heavy object and a sharp weapon on Friday evening in the Belia tribal settlement near Rampurhat , and died at the scene, authorities added.

According to senior police officials, the incident began after a dispute arose between Hembrom and several villagers. Amid deep‑rooted superstitious beliefs prevalent in some rural areas, the victim was accused of practising witchcraft before the fatal assault.

Five people, including the prime accused Shibalal Kisku and several of his family members, have been arrested and were produced before a court on Sunday, a senior officer said. Police said the weapon used in the killing was recovered and that the accused have admitted to committing the crime.

In response to the killing, a strong police contingent has been deployed in the village to maintain peace and prevent further unrest as the investigation continues, the officer said.

Incidents of violence triggered by witchcraft accusations continue to draw attention across parts of India, highlighting persistent challenges linked to superstition and the vulnerability of marginalized individuals. Legal experts and activists have noted that despite laws in several states to prevent witch‑hunting and related crimes, enforcement and community awareness remain uneven.