5 Murdered Over Black Magic Rumours in Bihar Village
In a disturbing event reported from Purnea district in Bihar, five members of a single family were allegedly killed and their bodies burned in a bush, reportedly due to suspicions of witchcraft and black magic. The incident occurred on Sunday night in Tetma village, under the Sadar sub-division jurisdiction.
Details of the Case
According to initial findings by law enforcement, the family members were targeted and murdered based on a belief that they were practising black magic. Following the killings, the accused attempted to destroy the evidence by setting the bodies on fire in a nearby bush.
This heinous act came to light after a 16-year-old boy named Sonu Kumar, who is related to the victims, alerted the local police early on Monday morning. A prompt investigation was launched in response.
Suspected Cause of the Violence
Authorities believe the trigger for the violence was the recent death of a child in the same village. As reported by SDPO Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the deceased child belonged to a man named Ramdev Oraon. This tragic loss led to community members blaming the victimised family, accusing them of using black magic, which ultimately led to the deadly attack.
Arrests Made
As of now, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the murders. The police believe that the suspects are from the same village, and potentially even from the same extended family as the victims.
DIG Pramod Kumar Mandal confirmed that further investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if others were involved or if the incident was premeditated.
Political Response
The shocking nature of the crime has sparked a political outcry. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reacted strongly on the social media platform X. He condemned the rising incidents of violence in Bihar and criticised the state’s law and order situation.
In his post, Yadav highlighted:
- The Purnea incident where five family members were burned alive.
- Similar recent tragedies, including mass killings in Siwan, Buxar, and Bhojpur.
- He referred to the administrative breakdown, calling the police powerless and accused the state leadership of ignoring rising crime.
A Public Health and Social Concern
This incident reflects a serious public health concern, not only due to the loss of life but also because it highlights deep-rooted superstitions and a lack of mental health awareness in certain rural regions. Such beliefs can fuel mob violence, perpetuate stigmatisation, and hinder community development.
The case also draws attention to:
- Limited access to education, particularly scientific and health literacy.
- The need for mental health intervention programs.
- The importance of community policing and legal awareness campaigns in preventing similar tragedies.
Conclusion
The murder of five family members in Purnea is a tragic reminder of how fear, misinformation, and superstition can lead to devastating consequences. While arrests have been made, this incident underscores the urgent need for community education, stronger law enforcement, and public health outreach in rural parts of India to address such dangerous beliefs and prevent future violence.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
