Rajasthan couple flee after tribal woman branded ‘witch’, assaulted over deaths

A tribal woman in Rajasthan was allegedly called a "witch" and physically assaulted by a group of villagers in a remote village, according to police reports. The incident occurred in a tribal-dominated area around 30 kilometers from Sirohi district headquarters. The woman, aged 40, claimed that she and her husband were beaten, had their hair cut, clothes torn, and forced to leave the village following two recent deaths in the area.

The couple approached the Sirohi superintendent of police (SP) for protection, alleging threats and harassment. The SP, Puspendra Singh Rathore, confirmed that a complaint was received and an investigation began. According to the woman, the villagers blamed her for the deaths and labeled her a "witch." She alleged that the accused assaulted her and forced the couple to flee the village, threatening that they could only return after paying a traditional penalty, or mautana, of ten lakh rupees for each death.

Furthermore, the woman accused the villagers of conspiring to seize her agricultural land. Once her family was expelled, the villagers allegedly began ploughing and occupying her land without permission. The woman has requested the police to register a case against those responsible, restore her land's possession, and ensure her and her husband's safety. The Sirohi SP stated that the matter is under investigation, and appropriate action will be taken.