In Nawada, Bihar, a woman belonging to the Mahadalit community was lynched to death on suspicion of ‘black magic and witchcraft’. The incident took place on Monday, 26th August, 2019, hours after a 12-year-old boy died following a long illness. The neighbours suspected he died because of ‘black magic and witchcraft’ practiced by Chinta Devi, the neighbours lynched her to death, said police.
Chinta Devi’s daughter had lodged an FIR against four people, of which three people have been arrested. Chinta Devi, a resident of Taraun village was reportedly dragged out of her home and beaten to death by a mob after death of a 12-year-old boy in the neighbourhood. Her husband, Sukhdev Manjhi, told the police that despite their repeated requests that she did not do any such thing, she was beaten up to death in full public view. The boy’s family members reportedly beat her up with iron rods and sticks.
In another separate incident, yet another Mahadalit man was allegedly beaten to death by two Mahadalits over an illicit love affair. In the case, since both the victim as well as perpetrators belonged to the Mahadalit community, the case did not attract the relevant sections of SC/ST Act.