Bricks, stones and iron rods: 35-year-old woman beaten to death by neighbours over 'witchcraft' accusations

PATNA: A 35-year-old woman has been beaten to death and four others injured in a violent clash between two families in Bihar’s Nawada district, police said.The incident took place on Thursday in the Rajauli police station area, allegedly after a dispute linked to accusations of witchcraft.The woman who died has been identified as Kiran Devi. Her husband, Naresh Choudhary, was among those injured. According to the victim’s family, tensions escalated after a child from a neighbouring family fell ill. Despite the child being taken to a doctor and diagnosed with a brain-related condition, neighbours allegedly accused Kiran Devi of practising witchcraft and blamed her for the illness.Family members alleged that Mukesh Chaudhary, Mahendra Chaudhary, Natru Chaudhary and Shobha Devi — all relatives from the neighbouring family — attacked Kiran Devi using bricks, stones and iron rods. Police said an investigation is under way and further action will be taken based on the findings.