Infant Killed in Alleged Witchcraft Attack by Maternal Aunts

On November 12, 2025, a 17-day-old infant was allegedly killed by his maternal aunts in Sansi Basti, Jodhpur, India. The infant's father, Poonaram, reported to the police that his wife informed him of their child's death around 3:30 am.

Initially, Poonaram thought the death might have resulted from an accidental fall during a family quarrel. However, the details quickly took a more sinister turn. Poonaram alleged that while his wife was in the bathroom, her sisters attacked the newborn, twisting his limbs until they broke, followed by strangulation. Disturbingly, the child's hair was also forcibly pulled out.

Poonaram accused his four unmarried sisters-in-law of engaging in superstitious practices that led to the infant's death. He claimed that his wife said her sisters killed their child when she was alone, motivated by jealousy over the family's stable life.

The police have detained the four women for further investigation. Station House Officer Ramkrishna Tada confirmed the details of the complaint and noted that an FIR was filed against the infant's maternal aunts. The authorities are now focusing on the allegations of witchcraft and the suspected motive behind the heinous act.