Superstition rules the roost in Assam? 77 murdered in witch hunting incidents since 2010

Guwahati, Mar 23: At least 77 people were killed and 60 others injured in witch-hunting incidents in Assam since 2010, the Assembly was informed on Monday.

In a written reply to a query by BJP MLA Prasanta Phukan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rockybul Hussain said a total of 77 persons, including 35 women, were murdered due to the superstition between 2010 and February 2015.

Of the injured 60 people, 46 were women, Hussain said on behalf of the Home Minister. Talking about the measures the government was taking to prevent such incidents, Hussain said the Additional Director General of CID has prepared a draft anti-witch hunting bill as per the direction of the Gauhati High Court.

The necessary modification to the draft was done in a meeting presided over by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Home Department, he added.

"With approval from the Chief Minister, the draft has been now sent for comments to different relevant departments like Social Welfare and Law among others," Hussain said.

The government is determined to enact this bill and stop the social evil, he added.

PTI