'Black magic': Couple killed with axe, sticks in Jharkhand village on witchcraft suspicion, say police

In an unusual crime, a couple was murdered in Jharkhand on suspicion of practising "black magic". Lundra Chik Baraik, aged 65, and his wife Phulma Devi, aged 60, were attacked with axe and sticks inside their house, according to police.

The incident occurred on April 22 in Bhagat Bukma village, around 140 km from state capital Ranchi. The husband's sister-in-law has been arrested, and the role of her son and some other people is under the scanner.

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Police said that the accused claimed that the couple were "witches" and harmed people with their "black magic".

Similar cases have occurred in Jharkhand in the past. In January 2022, another elderly couple was lynched on suspicion of witchcraft in Khunti district.