Police said a 50-year-old man was killed and his two sons seriously hurt when a mob attacked the family in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district on suspicion of witchcraft. Twelve people, four of them women, have been taken into custody over the assault.
The violence erupted on May 19 in Gadi Vankda village after neighbours reportedly forced their way into the home of Manu Bhai Damor and accused his wife Kamalaben of sorcery.
Around a dozen attackers carrying axes and sticks entered the house and began beating the occupants while shouting that the woman was a witch who must die. One son who tried to shield his relatives was struck on the head with an axe and fell, yet the beating continued.
Officers said several women dragged the father outside into a nearby field where he was repeatedly hit with axes and sticks, suffering grave head wounds. He was taken to hospital but died on May 26 after a week of treatment. His injured sons are still receiving care.
Khedbrahma Deputy Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Nai confirmed a murder case has been registered and all twelve suspects are in custody. Further probes are continuing. Some of those arrested have been named as Valjibhai Damor, Jigneshbhai Damor and Rohitbhai Damor. Investigators believe the attack stemmed from local rumours and superstition.
The case has again drawn attention to violence linked to witchcraft beliefs in rural areas.
