THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 19: The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report on the alleged killing of a woman and her minor son in Chaibasa on suspicion of witchcraft.
According to reports, Jyoti Sinku and her minor son were allegedly burned to death, while her husband, Kolhan Sinku, sustained serious burn injuries in the incident. Cases of violence linked to witchcraft accusations continue to be reported from parts of Jharkhand, particularly in rural and tribal areas, despite the existence of the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 2001, which criminalises such acts.
Taking note of the incident, JHALSA Executive Chairman Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed immediate intervention. The Member Secretary instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chaibasa, to provide legal and other necessary assistance to the victim’s family and to submit a detailed report.
Immediate assistance and legal support
The DLSA Chaibasa formed a team and took prompt action. The injured family member was admitted to the hospital, and essential food items were provided at the family’s residence.
Panel advocate Pramod Prasad and Para Legal Volunteer Santosh Kumar have been appointed to represent and assist the family in legal proceedings.
Compensation and awareness drive
The process for granting victim compensation has been initiated. An interim assistance of Rs 25,000 has been provided to the family on the directions of JHALSA.
The DLSA has also stated that it will monitor the safety of the victim’s family and conduct awareness programmes in the village under Project Suraksha to prevent such incidents in the future.
Jharkhand has witnessed several cases of assault and killings linked to witchcraft allegations over the years. Activists and legal authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of the law to curb such crimes.