A 32-year-old woman and her two-month-old infant were allegedly burned to death by a mob in Jharkhand’s Chaibasa earlier this week after villagers accused her of practising witchcraft. Her husband, who was also attacked during the incident, managed to escape despite severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The incident has drawn attention to continuing cases of violence linked to superstition in rural areas.
The attack reportedly took place around 9 pm on Tuesday, February 17, when 40-year-old Kolhan Sinku was asleep at his residence along with his second wife, Jyoti Sinku, their two-month-old baby, their two-year-old child, and his first wife, Jani Sinku. According to police accounts, Kolhan’s cousin called out from outside the house, prompting the entire family to step into the courtyard. Upon coming outside, they found a group of villagers — including men, women, and even children — gathered at their home. The crowd allegedly accused Jyoti of being a witch and created a heated confrontation.
Kolhan Sinku reportedly attempted to calm the situation and requested that the matter be discussed before the village Panchayat the following morning. However, the mob refused to disperse or wait for any formal mediation. Amid the growing chaos, someone allegedly poured petrol on Kolhan, Jyoti, and the infant she was holding and set them on fire. The sudden act triggered panic, and Kolhan managed to escape while removing his burning clothes as he ran toward the local police station in search of help.
According to reports, when he reached the police station, it was closed at the time. With no immediate assistance available, he sought refuge at a relative’s house before returning again the next morning. Even after reaching the station, he reportedly had to wait nearly two hours before it opened, after which he was finally able to lodge a formal complaint. Police then admitted him to a government hospital in Kumardungi for medical treatment.
Following the complaint, police teams visited the victim’s residence, where they recovered the charred bodies of Jyoti Sinku and her infant son. The bodies were taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination as part of the investigation. Authorities have since registered a case and initiated a detailed probe into the incident.
So far, four individuals have been arrested and their statements recorded. Preliminary findings indicate that nearly ten members of the same extended family may have been involved in the attack. Police officials stated that efforts are ongoing to identify additional suspects, including women who allegedly participated in the violence driven by superstition.
According to investigators, the accusations against Jyoti Sinku arose after a relative living in the same village died following a prolonged illness. Some villagers allegedly blamed her for practising witchcraft and causing the death, which ultimately led to the mob attack. Officials have said the investigation is continuing, with authorities examining all aspects of the case while pursuing further arrests connected to the killing.
