Dark Side: Superstition-Fueled Child Killing Shocks Village, Exposes of Witchcraft Beliefs
Dark Side: A deeply disturbing incident rooted in blind superstition has shaken a rural community, raising serious questions about social awareness, law enforcement, and the persistent menace of witchcraft-related violence in India. A seven-year-old boy was brutally murdered after being falsely linked to alleged black magic practices, highlighting how dangerous beliefs can lead to irreversible tragedies.
Background of the Incident
The horrifying crime took place on January 23, 2026, when a minor child became the victim of a revenge-driven act fueled by superstition. The boy, Vishnu Munda, was targeted not because of any wrongdoing, but due to unfounded suspicions surrounding his mother. The accused believed that she was responsible for the death of a family member through witchcraft, a claim that had no medical or factual basis.
Accused and Motive Behind the Crime
Police investigations revealed that the crime was committed by two individuals acting together with a shared belief in black magic. The primary accused, Raghu Munda, reportedly suspected that his grandson’s recent death due to illness was caused by supernatural practices. Instead of accepting medical explanations, this belief escalated into a desire for revenge. He was assisted by another accused, Jagarnath Munda, also known locally as Jagra Munda.
Driven by anger and superstition, the two men allegedly decided to target the child of the woman they blamed, believing that harming the innocent boy would serve as retaliation.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Murder
According to police statements, the accused lured the child away from his surroundings by offering him chocolate, a tactic often used in crimes involving minors. Once isolated, the child was attacked with extreme brutality. Investigators confirmed that a farming tool was used as the murder weapon, and the child suffered repeated blows, leading to his death at the scene.
Police Action and Investigation
After the child’s body was discovered, his father filed a formal complaint, prompting immediate police action. A case was registered at the Maranghada police station, and a detailed investigation was launched under the supervision of the officer in charge. During the inquiry, several suspects were detained, and sustained questioning led to critical breakthroughs in the case.
Both accused eventually confessed to the crime, providing details that matched physical evidence recovered from the location. Law enforcement officials recovered the murder weapon, along with blood-stained soil, leaves, and personal belongings of the victim, all of which strengthened the case.
Legal Provisions and Charges
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, along with provisions of the Witchcraft Prevention Act. These laws aim to curb crimes arising from superstitious beliefs and ensure strict punishment for those who promote or act upon such harmful practices.
Social Impact and Wider Concerns
This incident has reignited discussions around the dangers of superstition and the urgent need for awareness campaigns in rural and semi-urban regions. Despite legal frameworks, witchcraft-related violence continues to surface, often targeting women and children. Social activists emphasize that education, healthcare access, and community engagement are essential to prevent such tragedies.