Tripura: Neighbours Shoot Woman Branded as Witch

A 55-year-old tribal woman was shot dead by her neighbours on the suspicion of practising witchcraft during the late hours of Monday in Tripura. 

The victim has been identified as Kanyapati Debbarma, according to Zee News. The woman was shot from a close distance by her neighbours when she was alone at home. She is survived by her husband and three children.

This incident came to light after the victim's husband lodged a police complaint and in a statement informed that the neigbours often accused his wife of practicing witchcraft.

"A group of youths stormed into the house of Kanyapati and shot her dead on the spot while she was cooking. The victim's husband and children were not at home at the time of incident," a police official was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the Tripura police detained two suspects based on the statement of the victim's husband.

The north east India has witnessed many such atrocities in the past, which continues till date. About 50 women have lost their lives in the last few years in Tripura on the suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

As the nation progresses towards becoming one of the major superpowers in the world, the north eastern region of the country still remains neglected and isolated from mainstream India. Practice of witchcraft and black magic is still suspected in the region with many people being killed on the suspicion of practicing the craft or being victimized by practitioners of witchcraft.