Jharkhand: 6 held for trying to burn woman on witchcraft charge in Simdega

GUMLA: Six persons have been arrested for beating up and setting a woman on fire for allegedly practising witchcraft at Kudpani Colony village under Thethaitanger police station in Simdega on Wednesday evening. The 60-year-old woman, identified as Jhario Devi, suffered 40 per cent burns and is undergoing treatment at DevKamal hospital in Ranchi, police said.
The attack took place when the victim was at her neighbour Florence Dundung's house to attend a condolence meet organised in memory of the latter's wife.In the middle of the event, Florence along with five other villagers - Silvious Dungdung, Ravi Soreng, Amrit Tete, Hemant Tete and Jyotu Tete -- who were allegedly in an inebriated condition accused the victim of practising witchcraft which, they alleged, caused the death of the woman. All six beat her up and then put straw on her, poured kerosene and put her on fire.
Meanwhile, some other villagers informed the police who rushed to the spot.
OC of Thethaitanger police station, Kumar Indresh said, "The six accused -- all in drunken state -- thrashed Jhario and then set her on fire. Fortunately we reached the spot on time and saved her. She is out of danger."