Home / Crime and Justice / Teen 'Goddess' Accuses Couple, Mob Burns Them Alive
Teen 'Goddess' Accuses Couple, Mob Burns Them Alive
3 Jan
Summary
- A teenager claiming to be Goddess Durga led villagers in murder.
- A couple was assaulted and burned alive for alleged witchcraft.
- 20 villagers, including four women, were arrested for the killings.
A grim act of mob violence has shocked Assam's Karbi Anglong district, with 20 villagers arrested for the brutal murder of a couple accused of witchcraft. The incident, which occurred on December 30, saw the couple, identified as Gardi Beruwa (43) and Mira (33), allegedly assaulted with iron rods before being pushed into a fire. The mob reportedly acted on the instructions of an 18-year-old girl who claimed to be an avatar of Goddess Durga.
Investigations reveal that the villagers believed the couple's "evil practices" were causing harm and disease. The teenage girl, who claims divine possession, accused them of witchcraft, leading to the consensus decision for their execution. Most of the Adivasi-inhabited village, No. 1 Belguri Mundagaon, has since become nearly deserted as residents fled following the police investigation.
The accused face charges including murder, conspiracy, arson, and violating the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015. Authorities have stated that such atrocities will not be tolerated and further arrests are possible if more evidence emerges. The Assam IGP emphasized the need to stop such incidents fueled by suspicion.
