Guwahati, Assam: A couple was brutally killed after being attacked and burnt alive by a group of villagers who suspected them of practising witchcraft in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday night at No. 1 Beloguri Munda village in the Howraghat area, sending shockwaves across the region.
According to police, the attackers first assaulted the couple with sharp weapons inside their home before setting the house on fire, leading to their deaths. The victims have been identified as Gardi Birowa, aged 43, and Mira Birowa, aged 33. Officials said the villagers accused the couple of practising witchcraft and blamed them for alleged misfortunes in the area.
Senior police officers and civil administration officials reached the village soon after the incident and launched an investigation to identify and arrest those involved. Authorities said the area remains affected by deep-rooted superstition, where rumours and fear often lead to violence against innocent people.
Police confirmed that witch-hunting is a punishable offence under Assam law and that strict action will be taken against the accused. Cases have been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and raids are underway to apprehend the culprits.
