DIBRUGARH: Three
women of a tea estate in the Kakopathar area of
Tinsukia district had a narrow escape on Friday after a mob accosted them for allegedly practising
witchcraft.
The women, identified as Gangi Urang, Malati Bhumij and Ratani Kanda, were rescued by the Army, CRPF and police from a house where they were kept confined since Thursday.
Police said the incident unfolded when a teenager, who was suffering from severe stomach ailment, was taken to a tantric.
The boy’s father brought the tantric home on Thursday. The tantric performed a series of rituals but the condition of the boy worsened.
He then accused the three women of practising witchcraft and letting loose an “evil spirit” that was affecting the boy’s health. The boy’s family members went in search of the trio and brought them to the house. The women were beaten up and tortured throughout the night.
On Friday, as the news
spread, hundreds of tea garden workers started gathering outside the house and wanted to punish the women. The
manager of Kumchang Tea Estate informed police, who rescued the women.