Daayan Bisahi: A Study of Witchhunting in Jharkhand Region of India

Witch-hunting in Jharkhand, India, remains a deeply entrenched social practice, particularly affecting marginalized communities like tribal populations and Dalits. Despite legislative measures and awareness campaigns, the belief in witchcraft continues to thrive, fuelled by superstition, poverty, caste oppression and illiteracy. This phenomenon is largely driven by underlying socio-economic conditions, where vulnerable women—often widows, elderly, or those owning land—become accessible targets of accusations. Witch-hunting is used as a tool to settle personal scores, perpetuate gendered violence, and resolve land disputes. The violence associated with these accusations ranges from ostracization and public humiliation to brutal murders, social exclusion often committed with impunity in remote areas.

Jharkhand’s tribal communities, steeped in traditional belief systems, regard witches (locally referred to as "daayan bisahi") as responsible for crop failures, illnesses, or unexplained deaths. These accusations are frequently made by local healers or community members seeking scapegoats. The state's legal framework, though prohibiting witch-hunting, remains inadequate in addressing the underlying socio-cultural factors. Law enforcement often fails to intervene in time due to social pressures or lack of access to rural regions.

This paper explores the socio-cultural roots of witch-hunting in Jharkhand, the role of gender and caste dynamics, and the state's response to this practice. Based on case studies collected using in-depth interviews,observation and key informant survey, the paper argues that sustainable solutions must go beyond punitive measures, focusing instead on education, economic empowerment, and the eradication of deep-rooted superstitions within tribal communities.