Witch-Hunting

 

Witch-Hunting in India and Odisha: A Grim Reality

Witch-hunting remains a serious issue in India, particularly in rural and tribal areas, where superstition and patriarchal norms prevail. It is a practice deeply rooted in ignorance, fear, and gender inequality, often resulting in extreme violence against women.

Statistics on Witch-Hunting in India:

1.     National Figures:

·       According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 2,500 people were killed between 2000 and 2016 due to witch-hunting allegations, with the majority being women.

·       The 2019 NCRB report documented 102 cases of witch-hunting murders across India. However, these figures are considered underreported due to stigma and fear of retribution.

·       Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Assam consistently rank among the states with the highest incidence of witch-hunting.

2.     State-Level Incidents:

·       Jharkhand: In 2021, Jharkhand reported 18 cases of witch-related killings, accounting for nearly 30% of all such murders in India.

·       Odisha: Between 2015 and 2021, Odisha recorded over 350 incidents of violence related to witch-hunting, with most cases emerging from tribal-dominated districts like Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar.

Statistics Specific to Odisha:

1.     Hotspot Districts:

·       Mayurbhanj: Accounts for nearly 20% of witch-hunting cases in Odisha.

·       Keonjhar, Rayagada, Sundargarh, and Kandhamal: Regularly report cases of women being branded witches and subjected to violence.

2.     Deaths and Violence:

·       From 2010 to 2020, Odisha recorded 99 deaths directly linked to witch-hunting accusations, according to police data.

·       In 2022, Odisha reported 8 deaths in witch-hunting cases, demonstrating the persistence of this issue despite legal measures.

3.     Demographics of Victims:

·       Most victims are women aged 40 and above, often widows or single women, who are seen as socially or economically vulnerable.

Factors Contributing to Witch-Hunting in Odisha:

1.     Superstition and Illiteracy:

·       Odisha\u2019s tribal population, constituting around 22% of the state\u2019s total population, holds strong beliefs in witchcraft, associating it with misfortunes like illness or poor harvests.

2.     Economic Motives:

·       Accusations of witchcraft are frequently used to grab land, property, or settle disputes.

3.     Gender Bias:

·       Women who are independent, assertive, or lack familial support are more likely to be branded as witches.

Government Response:

1.     Legislation:

·       The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, criminalizes branding individuals as witches and prescribes penalties, including imprisonment of up to 7 years and fines.

2.     Awareness Campaigns:

·       The Odisha government launched campaigns in tribal areas to educate communities on the dangers of superstition. Programs like Ama Sankalpa (Our Resolve) aim to involve youth in combating these practices.

 

Impact of Witch-Hunting:

1.     Social Isolation:

·       Victims often face ostracization from their communities, forcing them to live in exile or migrate.

2.     Psychological Trauma:

·       Survivors endure mental health issues, including PTSD, due to violence and public humiliation.

3.     Deaths and Injuries:

·       Hundreds of women lose their lives annually due to witch-hunting, leaving families devastated.

Solutions to Address Witch-Hunting:

1.     Education and Awareness:

·       Increased literacy and scientific temper can reduce superstitions. Awareness programs should focus on tribal and rural communities.

2.     Effective Law Enforcement:

·       Strengthening the implementation of laws like the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

3.     Empowering Women:

·       Economic independence and self-help groups can reduce the vulnerability of women.

4.     Community Engagement:

·       Collaborating with local leaders, educators, and health workers to dismantle superstitious beliefs.

5.     Support for Victims:

·       Rehabilitation programs, including counseling and livelihood support for survivors.

Source Links:

https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/10507/1/odisha_prevention_of_witch-hunting_act_2013.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.actionaidindia.org/story/witch-hunting-its-prevalence-and-our-efforts-to-make-it-history/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/witch-hunting-on-rise-in-jkhand-ncrb-data/articleshow/78974831.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/witch-hunting-on-rise-in-jkhand-ncrb-data/articleshow/78974831.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1777741&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Conclusion:

Witch-hunting reflects a dark intersection of superstition, gender bias, and systemic neglect. Odisha, with its rich cultural heritage, must take stronger steps to eradicate this practice. Empowering women, fostering rational thinking, and enforcing stringent laws are critical to ensuring that no woman suffers such an inhumane fate in the name of baseless beliefs.