Bihar horror: 5 of family killed in Purnea over witchcraft, black magic suspicions; three arrested

NEW DELHI: Five family members were allegedly killed, and the accused burnt their bodies in a bush on suspicion of practising witchcraft, police said on Monday. The incident took place in Bihar's Purnea district.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that five members of a family in Tetma village were first murdered on suspicion of practising witchcraft. It appears that the accused then burnt their bodies in a bush. The incident took place on Sunday night,” said DIG (Purnea) Pramod Kumar Mandal.

"The accused are suspected to belong to the same family," the DIG added.

According to the police, the killings took place on Sunday night in Tetma village under the jurisdiction of Sadar sub-division.

Local police launched an investigation after receiving a call early Monday morning from 16-year-old Sonu Kumar, a member of the affected family.

Police said the attack may have been triggered by the recent death of a child in the village.

“It is being said that the child of one Ramdev Oraon died three days back. It is believed that they indulged in black magic and they were killed in this connection,” SDPO Pankaj Kumar Sharma said.

Tejashwi Yadav reacts to the incident
In a post on X, the RJD leader said: "In Purnia, five members of the same family were burnt alive."

"Due to DK Tax, anarchy in Bihar is at its peak, DGP/CS helpless, law and order collapsed."

"Day before yesterday in Siwan, three people were killed in a massacre. In recent days, three died in a massacre in Buxar. Three died in a massacre in Bhojpur."

"Criminals vigilant, Chief Minister oblivious. Corrupt Bhooja Party thriving, police defeated!"

"DK is enjoying because DK is the real boss."