Five Women Tied to a Tree in Orissa on Suspicion of Witchcraft

Between 2011 and 2014, 47 people were killed on witchcraft charges in Mayurbhanj district.

Five women were thrashed on suspicion of being involved in witchcraft. 

(Photo Courtesy: Erum Gour/The Quint)

Five women were brutally thrashed by tribals after being tied to a tree in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. Their fault? They were accused of practicing witchcraft, a superstitious charge rampant in tribal pockets of the state.

A video of the incident shows the women arguing with locals, following which they are repeatedly hit with a bamboo leaves and then punched, all in broad daylight.

Speaking to news agency ANI, a local social worker said the incident was ‘unfortunate’ and that the local administration wasn’t doing enough to raise awareness on the issue.

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman