Archive · 4 Jan 2026
18 arrested in Assam witchcraft case
In Assam, India, a couple was killed and burnt by villagers who thought they were practicing witchcraft.
The police arrested 18 people, including four women, for their involvement.
The police chief said this kind of crime is very bad and they will find justice.
A few months ago, 23 people were sentenced to life in prison for a similar case.
The police are still investigating and collecting evidence.
Local residents say more needs to be done to stop these kinds of crimes.
A couple in Assam was burnt alive by villagers on suspicion of practising witchcraft.
18 people, including four women, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the killing.
The incident occurred on December 30, 2023, in Karbi Anglong district.
The police are conducting a scientific investigation and have collected evidence.
Local residents demand stronger preventive measures and awareness campaigns to curb superstition-led violence.
- Who
- 18 people, including 4 women, arrested for alleged involvement in the killing of Gardi Birowa and Mira Birowa
- What
- A couple was burnt alive by villagers on suspicion of practising witchcraft
- When
- The incident occurred on December 30, 2023, around 8:25 pm
- Where
- The incident took place in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, India
- Why
- The couple was suspected of practising witchcraft, leading to their murder and subsequent arrest of 18 villagers
Police and Government
Local Residents
Preventive Measures
Police and Government
The police are conducting a scientific investigation and have arrested 18 people. The government has laws in place to prevent such incidents.
Local Residents
Local residents allege a lack of awareness and demand stronger preventive measures and sustained awareness campaigns in remote villages.
- Location
- Karbi Anglong district, Assam, India
- Victims
- Gardi Birowa and Mira Birowa
- Arrests
- 18 people, including 4 women
- Incident Date
- December 30, 2023
- Charges
- Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Previous Case
- 23 people sentenced to life imprisonment in Sivasagar
Sources
Assam witchcraft case: 18 arrested as suspects after couple burnt alive, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita invoked
18 People Arrested in Assam's Karbi Anglong For Murdering Couple Over Witchcraft Suspicion
Karbi Anglong witch-hunting case: 18, including 4 women, arrested
Assam arrests 20 after Adivasi couple burnt alive in Karbi Anglong witch hunt case - Telegraph India
