News Reporter
Tezpur, Assam - 26 December, 23: In a horrifying incident that unfolded on the night of December 25, 2023, Sangita Kati, a 30-year-old woman from Assam's Sonitpur district, lost her life in a brutal attack, accused of practicing witchcraft. The shocking event took place in Bahbari village, under the jurisdiction of the Tezpur police station.
Sangita fell victim to an assault orchestrated by her neighbor, Suraj Baghwar, and his alleged accomplices, reportedly in an inebriated state. The assailants, bringing individuals from outside their village, tied up Sangita's husband before subjecting her to a vicious attack with sharp weapons and ultimately setting her ablaze. Despite immediate efforts to seek medical assistance, Sangita succumbed to her injuries upon reaching a local government hospital.
Promptly responding to the distress call, the police, led by Superintendent of Police Susanta Biswa Sarma, apprehended six individuals in connection with the heinous crime. The arrested suspects include Ajay Sanghar, Dhiraj Bhaguwar, Suraj Bhaguwar, Pinku Malhar, Baila Sanghar, and Babul Nagdhar, all aged between 30 and 35.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are meticulously examining whether the motive behind Sangita's murder was rooted in suspicions of witchcraft. The suspects are currently facing charges of murder, forcibly confining, and torturing a woman, with the possibility of additional charges pending further investigation. They are anticipated to be presented before the court in the coming days.
Sangita's body has been transferred to the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital for a thorough post-mortem examination, with the results awaited to aid the ongoing investigation.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of witch-hunting in Assam, an age-old problem that continues to claim lives and instill fear within communities. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, it underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address and eradicate this deeply rooted menace.