Jharkhand News : A gruesome crime driven by superstition has shaken Jharkhand’s Palamu district. In the Panki police station area, three members of the same family were brutally hacked to death with a tangi (sharp-edged weapon) in the early hours of Sunday, while a 15-year-old girl was left critically injured.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. in Kusri village. The injured girl, identified as Mamta Kumari, was first given primary treatment and later shifted to Medinirai Medical College Hospital, where her condition remains serious.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
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Vijay Bhuiyan (45)
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Hemanti Devi (40), his wife
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Chhotu Kumar (25), their son
Neighbours, Real Brothers Accused
Police said the accused are Ravindra Bhuiyan and Pramod Bhuiyan, neighbours and real brothers of the deceased Vijay Bhuiyan. Both suspects have been on the run since the incident.
Superstition Behind the Crime
According to villagers, the accused brothers’ father, Maheshi Bhuiyan (65), died after prolonged illness around 3 a.m. on Sunday. The brothers allegedly believed his death was caused by black magic and evil spirits. Suspecting Vijay Bhuiyan of practising witchcraft, they launched a deadly attack on him and subsequently killed his wife and son as well. Mamta Kumari was injured when she tried to intervene.
Long-Standing Dispute
Locals revealed that there had been a long-standing dispute between the two families over allegations of witchcraft and occult practices. Despite multiple attempts at mediation within the village, tensions reportedly persisted.
Delay in Police Arrival Sparks Anger
Villagers expressed anger over the fact that police reached the spot nearly four hours after the incident, leading to unrest in the area.
Police Action Underway
Confirming the incident, Manoj Kumar Jha, SDPO Lesliganj, said the bodies have been sent for post-mortem and raids are underway to arrest the absconding accused. A detailed investigation is in progress.
The shocking incident has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of superstition in rural areas.
