Patna: Villagers in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand allegedly gang-raped an old widow, after branding her as a “witch” in a latest incident indicating how this state remains in grip of superstition despite intensive campaigns by the state government.

Although the incident took place last week, it came to light in the weekend after the victim lodged a complaint with the police.



The victim had been staying in the house of her son-in-law located at Badi village in Khunti district for the past eight months. Last week on March 7, a group of villagers barged into her house and dragged her to the “kangaroo court” held on the outskirt of the house, according to a complaint registered with the police by the victim.



At the court, the widow was branded as a “witch” and blamed for all kinds of health-related problems plaguing the village.



Subsequently, she was taken to the nearby jungle where she was gang-raped by some villagers, according to the complainant. The accused also threatened her with dire consequences if she reported the matter to the police. However, the victim family mustered courage and registered a formal complaint with the police.



“We are investigating the case and senior officials have been rushed to the spot for detailed information.” Local district superintendent of police, Khunti, Ashwini Kumar Sinha told the media on Sunday. He added action would be taken after investigation.



The victim, meanwhile, has been rushed to a local government hospital for medical examination.



Last month, two women, both mother and daughter, were dragged out of their homes, tonsured and forced to eat human excreta on the suspicion of being “witches” in Jharkhand. The incident had taken place on the outskirt of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.