In a horrifying case of mob violence driven by superstition in Bihar. Five members of a family were brutally beaten and burned to death in Tetgama village, Purnia district, Bihar. The victims were accused of practising witchcraft in the village. The locals also blamed the family for the recent illnesses and deaths in the area.

Mob Lynching Triggered by Superstitions

According to reports the attack occurred late Sunday night when a 50-member mob stormed the home of Sita Devi. The villagers accused her of performing black magic. The immediate trigger for the violence appears to be the death of a villager’s son. This comes along with the serious illness of another child. Villagers suspected Sita Devi of being behind the misfortunes using occult practices like jhaar-phoonk and tantra-mantra.

The victims are reportedly Babulal Oraon (50), Sita Devi (45), Manjeet Oraon (25), Rania Devi (22), and septuagenarian Kanto Devi. All were dragged from their home, beaten, and later set ablaze. Their charred bodies were discovered under water hyacinth near a pond.

Teen Survivor Escapes, Alerts Authorities

The only survivor of the massacre, 16-year-old Sonu Kumar, managed to escape and took shelter at a relative’s house. Early the next morning, he informed the police about the incident. “People from the village came with bamboo sticks and beat everyone, calling my mother a ‘witch’. They beat up five people, including my mother, father, brother and sister-in-law. The other villagers did not stop them,” Sonu told reporters.

“Sonu Kumar said his family members were beaten and burned on suspicion of practising ‘witchcraft’ and their bodies were thrown away. We have recovered the bodies,” SDPO Pankaj Kumar Sharma said.

Police Arrest Three, Search Ongoing for Others

Purnia SP Sweety Sehrawat and SDPO Pankaj Kumar Sharma visited the scene and confirmed the gruesome details. Three individuals, including a man named Nakul Kumar who allegedly incited the mob, have been arrested so far. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and police from multiple stations are conducting raids to nab other suspects.

“It is an Oraon community village, with most of the villagers belonging to the tribal group. We received information that five members of a family were assaulted and killed. Whether they were burnt alive or set on fire after death is under investigation,” said Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sadar Purnea.

Village Abandoned, Police Patrols in Place

“He has alleged the involvement of the entire village and identified four main accused, of whom three have been arrested,” he said. “Four names are mentioned in the FIR, three have been arrested, but indications are emerging that the entire village may have been involved. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused and we are also investigating to check for any further involvements,” Sharma said. “The incident is serious and none of the people who are involved will be spared,” he said.

By Monday, Tetgama village appeared deserted, with residents fleeing following the police crackdown. Dog squads and personnel from nearby police stations have been deployed to prevent further violence and apprehend remaining culprits.

Political Reactions and Rising Concerns

The killings sparked political outrage. Bihar’s Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, criticized the Nitish Kumar-led government, highlighting a series of recent violent incidents across the state.

In a post on X, the RJD leader said: “In Purnia, five members of the same family were burnt alive.” “Due to DK Tax, anarchy in Bihar is at its peak, DGP/CS helpless, law and order collapsed.” “Day before yesterday in Siwan, three people were killed in a massacre. In recent days, three died in a massacre in Buxar. Three died in a massacre in Bhojpur.” “Criminals vigilant, Chief Minister oblivious. Corrupt Bhooja Party thriving, police defeated!” “DK is enjoying it because DK is the real boss.” Yadav tweeted, citing other mass killings in Siwan, Buxar, and Bhojpur.