Couple Beaten and Burnt Alive Over Witchcraft Suspicion in Assam

December 31, 2025

Assam: A shocking incident of mob violence was reported from Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, where a couple was brutally beaten with sharp weapons and later burnt alive by villagers who accused them of practising witchcraft, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening at Beloguri Munda village in the Howraghat area. Police received information about the crime around 9 pm, but by then the victims could not be saved.

Villagers Allegedly Took Law Into Their Own Hands

According to Karbi Anglong SSP Pushpraj Singh, almost the entire village participated in the attack, and no one informed the authorities.

“As per initial investigation, the husband and wife were first beaten and then set ablaze. We could not even recover their bones,” he said.

Police said the assailants barged into the house, assaulted the couple, and set the house on fire, resulting in their deaths.

The victims were identified as Gardi Birowa (43) and his wife Mira Birowa (33).

Villagers allegedly blamed the couple for illnesses and misfortunes in the locality, linking them to witchcraft.

Suo Motu Case Under Witch-Hunting Act; Arrests Likely

Senior police and administration officials reached the site on Wednesday and began a detailed investigation.

A suo motu case has been filed under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, making the crime cognisable and non-bailable. Relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have also been added.

“We are identifying those involved. Multiple arrests are expected, but there is no video evidence as the entire village tried to cover up the incident,” Singh said. Police are questioning villagers to determine each person’s role.

Superstition Still Rampant in Remote Areas

Karbi Anglong has witnessed several cases of witch-hunting despite strict laws. Officials said such incidents reflect the deep-rooted superstitions still prevalent in interior rural areas.

“The area remains highly influenced by such beliefs, leading to tragic outcomes like this,” a police officer said.

District authorities have assured that awareness drives will be intensified to prevent recurrence of such brutality.