Assam couple beaten, burnt alive by villagers over witchcraft suspicion

Representative photo

A disturbing incident of mob violence has been reported from Assam, where a married couple was allegedly killed by villagers who accused them of practising witchcraft. The incident occurred on Tuesday at No. 1 Beloguri Munda village in the Howraghat area of Karbi Anglong district.

The victims were identified as 43-year-old Gardi Birowa and his wife, 33-year-old Mira Birowa. According to reports, a group of villagers barged into their home and attacked them with sharp weapons before setting the house on fire. The couple died inside the burning house.

Police officials reached the spot soon after the incident and launched an investigation. All the accused involved in the attack have been arrested. The police are now questioning them to understand what led to the violent act.

A police official told news agency PTI that the area where the crime occurred continues to be affected by deep-rooted superstition.