Elderly Man Beaten to Death on Suspicion of ‘Witchcraft’ in Jharkhand’s Palamu

Palamu, Jharkhand — January 27, 2026: In a horrifying incident rooted in superstition and social fear, a 60‑year‑old man identified as Faguni Bhuiyan was allegedly beaten to death by a group of villagers on suspicion that he practised witchcraft, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place at Chhanka village in the Manatu police station area of Palamu district on January 26.

According to Sub‑Divisional Police Officer Manoj Kumar Jha, preliminary investigation suggests that Bhuiyan was attacked with sticks by more than two people, who accused him of using black magic to harm others in the community. The elderly victim sustained fatal injuries during the assault and died at the scene, officers said.

🚨 Immediate AftermathLocal police rushed to the village following information about the assault and found Bhuiyan’s body. His remains were subsequently sent to Medinirai Medical College & Hospital (MMCH) in Daltonganj for a post‑mortem examination, officials added.

No arrests have been announced yet, but police confirmed that a search is underway to identify and apprehend the accused suspects believed to be responsible for the fatal beating. Law enforcement has appealed to villagers to cooperate with the investigation.

📍 Context of Witchcraft ViolenceSuperstitious beliefs linking misfortune or unexplained problems to “witchcraft” or black magic remain a serious social issue in parts of Jharkhand and other Indian states. In recent months, multiple cases involving attacks on individuals and families over alleged witchcraft accusations have been reported in the region, including the brutal killing of another family in Palamu over similar suspicions.

Police and social activists have repeatedly warned against such belief‑driven violence, emphasising the need for awareness and strict enforcement of laws aimed at preventing witchcraft‑related accusations and lynchings.

The Palamu police continue to investigate the Chhanka village killing, and further updates on arrests and charges are expected as the inquiry progresses.