Witch-Hunting and Mass Murder of a Tribal Family in Jharkhand: NHRC Case Analysis

 

Witch-Hunting and Mass Murder of a Tribal Family in Jharkhand: NHRC Case Analysis

(NHRC Diary No. 2726/IN/2024 | Case No. 134/34/18/2024)

By Lenin Raghuvanshi

Human Rights Defender

The brutal murder of an entire Scheduled Tribe family, including minor children, in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in February 2024 exposes the deadly consequences of witch-hunting, social superstition, and structural failure of state protection mechanisms in tribal regions. Though criminal law was set in motion swiftly, the case raises serious questions about prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term accountability.

This blog examines the case through the lens of NHRC monitoring, criminal justice response, and human rights obligations of the State.

Case Identification

• NHRC Diary No.: 2726/IN/2024

• NHRC Case/File No.: 134/34/18/2024

• Incident Category: Murder (Witch-Hunting)

• Victims: Members of one tribal family (including minor children)

• Victim Community: Scheduled Tribe

• Incident Date: 17 February 2024

• Incident Place: Tungbasha village, Hatgamharia PS, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand

• Complainant: Lenin Raghuvanshi

• Mode of Complaint: HRCNet / Online

• NHRC Registration Date: 19 February 2024

Incident Overview

According to media reports cited in the NHRC complaint:

• A tribal family was brutally assaulted and murdered after being branded as “witches”

• The attack involved collective violence, including killing of minor children

• The incident occurred in a remote tribal area under Hatgamharia Police Station

• The bodies of the victims were later recovered from a railway track, indicating extreme brutality and an attempt to destroy evidence

The killings represent a classic case of witch-hunting, a practice that continues to claim lives in tribal and rural belts despite statutory prohibitions.

Criminal Case Status

As reported to NHRC by the Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum:

• FIR No.: 04/2024

• Date of FIR: 17.02.2024

• Sections Invoked:

  • Section 302 IPC (Murder)

  • Section 34 IPC (Common Intention)

  • Section 201 IPC (Causing disappearance of evidence)

Investigation Progress

• All five accused persons were arrested on 18.02.2024

• Accused were remanded to judicial custody

• Investigation substantiated allegations against the accused

• Case was stated to be likely culminating in filing of charge sheet

• Proposal for victim compensation was forwarded through appropriate channels

NHRC’s Intervention and Monitoring

Initial Cognizance

NHRC took prompt cognizance on 19.02.2024, recognizing:

• The gruesome nature of the crime

• The vulnerability of Scheduled Tribe victims

• The involvement of children among the deceased

NHRC Directions

On 04 April 2024, NHRC directed:

• District Magistrate, West Singhbhum

• Senior Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum

To submit:

• Updated criminal case status

• Details of victim compensation and relief measures

Closure of NHRC Proceedings

Based on the report submitted:

• FIR registered promptly

• Accused arrested and prosecution initiated

• Allegations substantiated

• Criminal law set into motion

NHRC Order (07 August 2024)

NHRC concluded:

“Since FIR has been registered, accused have been arrested and allegations substantiated, the law will take its own course. No further intervention of the Commission is required.”

The case was formally closed by NHRC.

Human Rights Analysis

1. Witch-Hunting as a Human Rights Crime

Witch-hunting is not merely superstition—it is:

• Collective violence

• Caste and community-based persecution

• A violation of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution

Despite laws in Jharkhand against witch-hunting, prevention failed.

2. Failure of Preventive Governance

The crime raises concerns about:

• Absence of early-warning mechanisms in tribal areas

• Lack of community awareness programs

• Weak monitoring by local administration

State accountability does not end with arrests—it begins with prevention.

3. Rights of Tribal Communities

As Scheduled Tribe members, the victims were entitled to:

• Special protection under constitutional safeguards

• State vigilance against social violence

• Rehabilitation and support for surviving kin

NHRC records mention compensation proposals, but details of disbursement, rehabilitation, and long-term support remain unclear.

4. Justice Beyond Prosecution

While criminal prosecution is essential, justice for witch-hunting victims must include:

• Speedy trial and conviction

• Compensation and rehabilitation

• Community sensitization

• Accountability of local officials for prior negligence

Closure of monitoring should not mean closure of responsibility.

Why This Case Matters

This case reminds us that:

• Witch-hunting is still a lethal reality

• Tribal lives remain vulnerable to collective violence

• Arrests alone do not dismantle superstition-driven crimes

• State institutions must act before blood is spilled

The murder of an entire tribal family under the accusation of witchcraft is a collective failure of society and the State. While the criminal justice system responded swiftly post-incident, the real failure lies in prevention, protection, and rehabilitation.

Witch-hunting is not folklore—it is organized violence against the vulnerable.

Justice must move beyond arrests to systemic reform and sustained vigilance.

Case Reference

NHRC Diary No. 2726/IN/2024

Case/File No. 134/34/18/2024