Meghalaya: Scuffle Over Witchcraft Practice Leaves Police Officer Injured

BAJENGDOBA (NORTH GARO HILLS) : A cop was injured during a fight between two families in Aniaga village under North Garo Hills. The scuffle took place after one family member accused the other of practicing witchcraft. The incident occurred on 11th November 2022 around 2:30 pm, according to the police of Bajengdoba police station.

The officials rushed to the place in order to defuse the situation. Unfortunately, the officer in-charge got injured during the process and received head injuries. The Deputy Superintendent of police, Ravi K. Sangma stated that officials on duty getting injured is quite usual, and that the officer received minor injuries.

He further talked about incident and said that, a member of one of the families had died due to some sickness. The deceased also took him to a hospital regarding his condition. But the family members accused the other family of casting a spell that took the deceased's life.

He further mentioned that the accused family has been shifted to another village on security grounds as the investigation is still on. An awareness programme has also been scheduled with the help of church leaders in that particular area. The motive behind this step is to make the people aware of such superstitions and encourage them to not participate in such activities.

The village has a very less population count, with just 40-50 families. As per sources, Witchcraft has emerged as a recurrent issue in the area as well as the adjoining areas. A number of four cases of suspected witchcraft was registered in the Bajengdoba police station in 2021.

Similar cases of witchcraft practices is witnessed in the Garo hills, leading to deaths. One such case was reported when a man allegedly killed his neighbor with an axe after suspecting him of practising witchcraft. The victim was identified as Daren Marak and the accused as Henathson A Sangma. The episode took place in Dengnanggre village near Achotchongre under Bajengdoba police station.