Witchcraft Practice: A Dark Labyrinth of Superstition, Conspiracy and Brutality

Witch-hunting represents one of the most disturbing manifestations of gender-based violence in many parts of the world, particularly in rural and tribal regions of South Asia and Africa. In India, the phenomenon is deeply rooted in superstition, patriarchal domination, socio-economic inequality and the manipulation of traditional belief systems. Women—especially widows, elderly women and socially marginalized individuals—are most frequently targeted. The present study examines the historical background, socio-cultural causes and contemporary manifestations of witch-hunting in India with special reference to Purulia district of West Bengal. The research is based on both primary and secondary sources. Field surveys were conducted in villages located in Baghmundi, Manbazar, Puncha, Hura and Kashipur blocks, areas where incidents of witch-hunting have historically been reported. Secondary sources include scholarly books, journal articles, literary texts, government reports and the annual publications of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The findings suggest that witch-hunting is not simply a result of superstition; it is also linked to land disputes, gender discrimination, poverty and the misuse of local authority structures. The study concludes that legal intervention, community awareness and educational programmes are essential for eliminating this violent and inhumane practice.