A tragic incident occurred in Gadi Vankda village of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, where a fifty-year-old man was killed and two of his sons were severely injured due to a mob attack. The police reported that the violent confrontation arose from accusations of witchcraft against the man’s wife, Kamalaben. On May 19, members of a neighbouring family reportedly entered the home of Manu Bhai Damor, claiming that Kamalaben was practising witchcraft.

According to the police, approximately twelve individuals, armed with axes and sticks, forcibly invaded the Damor household. They began assaulting the family while alleging that Kamalaben was a ‘dayan’—a term used to denote a witch—and demanded her death. The ambush caught the Damor family by surprise, leading to an intensified and brutal attack.

During the violent episode, Jitendra, Manu Bhai’s son, attempted to defend his family. Reports indicate that one of the attackers struck him on the head with an axe, resulting in critical injuries. Despite his collapse, the mob allegedly continued their assault on the family, demonstrating the severe and unchecked nature of the violence.

Aftermath and Casualties

Manu Bhai was reportedly dragged out of his home by several women from the attacking group, who then took him to a nearby field. There, he was assaulted repeatedly with axes and sticks, which led to grave head injuries. Authorities indicated that he was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Manu Bhai succumbed to his injuries on the night of May 26, having fought for life for nearly a week.

His two sons, who suffered injuries while trying to protect their father, remain hospitalised and are under medical care. The area has been affected by the repercussions of this incident, highlighting widespread concerns about community violence spurred by superstitions and baseless accusations.

Khedbrahma Deputy Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Nai confirmed that a murder case has been launched. All twelve individuals alleged to be involved in the attack have been arrested, with further investigations ongoing. The police plan to seek remand for the accused if necessary to ensure thorough examinations of the case.

Identities of The Accused and Societal Impact

Authorities have identified some of the accused individuals involved in this brutal incident, including Valjibhai Damor, Jigneshbhai Damor, and Rohitbhai Damor. Preliminary investigations suggest that this attack may have been premeditated, fuelled by deeply entrenched superstitions and unfounded rumours regarding Kamalaben’s alleged witchcraft.

This confrontation sheds light on the glaring issue of witchcraft-related violence in rural India, where such accusations can lead to severe consequences. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for community education and legal reforms to combat these harmful beliefs and protect individuals from mob justice.

As law enforcement continues its investigation, local authorities are calling for increased awareness and strategies to address superstition-related violence. The incident underscores an urgent need to tackle deeply rooted social issues that enable such acts of violence and ensure safety for vulnerable families in the community.

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