Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission( NHRC) has summoned Cuttack District Magistrate to appear in person before the Commission October 3 in connection with the murder of a woman suspected of practicing sorcery.
The Commission’s direction came in the wake of a petition filed by human rights activist Rabindra Kumar Mishra seeking appropriate action on the murder of an old woman in December 2022 on account of practicing sorcery.
The matter was placed before the Commission August 9, and upon pursuing the same, the Commission issued conditional summons to the Cuttack District Magistrate, directing him to personally appear before the Commission October 3, along with the required information and documents.
The Commission said it had issued the direction in the past on the matter, but no requisite report has been received from the concerned authority on the case despite the issuance of a reminder.
It further stated that if the required information or documents are received on or before September 28, the personal appearance of the concerned authorities shall be dispensed with.
According to the petitioner, a 60-year-old woman Meena Chhatar was killed over suspicion of practicing sorcery in Chhagharia village under Tangi-Choudwar block in Odisha’s Cuttack district.
The woman was hacked to death by Bhaguni Purty, who managed to flee from the scene after committing the crime, the petitioner informed.
Police, quoting the FIR filed by the son of Meena, said Bhaguni’s wife and son were suffering from a disease for which he suspected Meena of practising witchcraft on them.
On being informed, Tangi police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. A murder case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused, who is at large, said Tangi police station IIC Suchitrabirjya Das.
Mishra said no action has been taken to stop this social violence and the social evils in our Society over suspicions of practicing sorcery, which is a violation of human rights and disturbs peace.
He requested that the NHRC consider the case and issue a strong direction to stop the human rights violations in society.
UNI