Two Brothers Arrested for Alleged Witch-Craft Murder in Chhattisgarh Village

Superstition and family dispute lead to fatal stabbing in Bastar district

Blind superstition has claimed another life in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district. Two brothers allegedly murdered a fellow villager in a frenzied attack, fuelled by accusations of sorcery and alcohol, police said on Friday. The incident, which unfolded in Pakhnaar village under Darba police jurisdiction on April 30, has reignited concerns over superstition-driven violence in the region.

The Afternoon Killing

Manglu Mandavi, a resident of the village, was sitting beneath a mango tree near his home when two intoxicated brothers—Ayatu Madkami and Sukhram Madkami—approached him around midday. What began as a heated dispute quickly escalated into bloodshed. Investigators say the two accused Manglu of practising witchcraft, an allegation that triggered the violent confrontation.

According to police statements, Ayatu suddenly produced a knife and lunged at Manglu's chest. As the victim writhed in agony, his elder brother Sukhram snatched the weapon and slashed his throat. Manglu died at the scene within minutes.

Swift Police Response

Within hours of the incident, both suspects fled into nearby forests. Local authorities initiated a coordinated search operation across the area. On May 1, barely 24 hours after the killing, Darba police apprehended both brothers. Investigators recovered the murder weapon and registered a formal case against them under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused were remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.

A Pattern of Darkness

The killing marks yet another tragedy rooted in witch-craft accusations in Bastar—a region that has seen repeated instances of mob violence and murder justified by unfounded superstitions. Local authorities have long flagged the dangerous persistence of such beliefs among sections of the population.

Experts attribute these incidents to limited awareness, poverty, and the absence of systematic education in remote areas. The tragedy has prompted renewed calls from civic groups for awareness campaigns to counter superstition-driven violence.

Community Reaction

The incident has sent shockwaves through Pakhnaar village. Residents expressed concern over the prevalence of such accusations and demanded stricter action against those spreading superstitious beliefs. Social workers active in the district say education and legal intervention remain the only effective tools to break this cycle.

Police have intensified foot patrols in surrounding villages and are conducting awareness sessions on the legal consequences of false accusations and violence rooted in superstition.