Family flees home over black magic claims

A Khasi family from Cachar's Muktacherra village has been displaced from their home due to accusations of black magic and witchcraft. Members of the family sought refuge near the Joypur police station after being allegedly expelled by a faction of villagers from the same tribe. For approximately one month, the family endured hiding in a forest, their house having been demolished by the accusers. They were eventually offered temporary shelter arrangements by the police. An FIR has been filed, naming specific individuals and indicating the involvement of several others in the family's forced removal from their settlement. Police confirmed an investigation is underway, but no arrests have been made to date. The displaced family refuted the accusations, stating their livelihood depended on forest work, leaving no time for alleged sorcery. They expressed distress over the villagers' persistent disbelief and threats of violence whenever community members fell ill.

The family reported being forced to flee their settlement on February 10th. They recounted surviving in the jungle for a month by consuming vines, leaves, and banana plants. Their decision to approach the police was prompted by the impossibility of continuing their survival without food and money. The authorities have stated that appropriate action will be taken if criminal activities are established during the investigation. The family highlights that suspicion of witchcraft led to threats of violence or death when anyone in the settlement became sick.