'Shamanic ritual called Jhaad-phoonk': Five members of a family burnt to death in Bihar

NEW DELHI: Five members of a family, including three women, were burnt to death in Tetma village in Bihar's Purnea district. A child had died after a magical healing ritual was performed in the house. All five were thrashed and set on fire for the death of the child. Three people were arrested in the incident that took place on Sunday.

Babu Lal Oraon (50), his mother Kanto Devi (70), wife Sita Devi (45), son Manjit Kumar (25) and daughter-in-law Rani Devi (22) were burned to death. The son of Ramdev Oraon had died after the shamanic ritual called Jhaad-phoonk was performed by Sita Devi. The police said that the sentence was decided after a meeting of 200 villagers led by village head Nakul Oraon.

Police said that about 50 people were there to carry out the crime. The 16-year-old child who escaped informed his relatives. When the police arrived, they found two burnt bodies. It is indicated that three bodies were buried. Police dog squad and forensic experts are at the scene.

Superintendent of Police Sweety Sahrawat said that the deceased and the perpetrators belong to the Oraon community. Three people, including the village head, have been arrested.

Superstitions are prevalent in the interior villages of Bihar, and rituals including black magic are widespread. Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the Purnea incident shows the apathy of the state government.

"5 members of a family were burnt alive in Purnea. Anarchy is at its peak in Bihar due to DK Tax, DGP/CS helpless, law and order destroyed. Day before yesterday 3 people died in a massacre in Siwan. Recently 3 people died in a massacre in Buxar. 3 died in a massacre in Bhojpur. Criminals are alert, Chief Minister is unconscious. Corrupt Bhunja Party is happy, police is exhausted! DK is having fun because DK is the real boss." - Tejashwi Yadav posted online.