Home / Crime and Justice / Jharkhand Court Jails Trio for 'Witchcraft' Killing
Jharkhand Court Jails Trio for 'Witchcraft' Killing
4 Jan
Summary
- Three men received life sentences for murder due to witchcraft beliefs.
- The victim was accused of causing villagers' illnesses.
- The conviction followed a trial with 11 prosecution witnesses.
A principal district and sessions court in Jamtara, Jharkhand, has handed down life sentences to three men for the brutal murder of a woman, Meera Devi, who was accused of practicing witchcraft. The court convicted Niranjan Mahto, Parimal Mahto, and Gangadhar Mahto on December 20, 2025, for the crime committed on June 30, 2020.
The tragic event stemmed from the accused blaming Meera Devi for the illnesses plaguing their village, Bena. Reports indicate they had previously abused and threatened her a day before her death. The victim's son, Santosh Mahto, initiated legal proceedings by filing an First Information Report against the perpetrators.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence through 11 witnesses, ultimately leading to the conviction of the three men under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. Each convict was also fined Rs 5,000, with the court concluding the sentencing on Saturday, January 4, 2026.
