A horrific incident of mob violence in Bihar’s Nawada district has left 55-year-old Gaya Manjhi dead and his wife, Samudri Manjhi, severely injured after villagers accused them of practicing black magic that allegedly caused a music system to malfunction at a local event. The brutal attack, which took place on Tuesday evening in Panchugarh Musahri village, underscores the persistent dangers of superstition-driven violence in the region.

According to Nawada Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman, the incident occurred during a birthday celebration hosted by Mohan Manjhi. When the hired music system repeatedly shut down, villagers pointed fingers at Gaya and Samudri Manjhi, accusing them of using black magic to disrupt the event. “The mob dragged the couple out, thrashed them mercilessly, and subjected them to inhumane treatment,” Dhiman said. The attackers partially shaved the couple’s heads, forced them to wear garlands of shoes, and made them drink urine before parading them through the streets. Gaya Manjhi succumbed to his injuries, while Samudri, now stable, is receiving treatment at a local community health center.

Police received information about the assault on Wednesday morning when the perpetrators attempted to dispose of Gaya’s body. A swift response from the Hisua police station, led by Sub-Inspector Rupa Kumari, prevented the mob from burning Samudri alive. “We found the man dead and the woman injured,” Kumari reported. Authorities have arrested 17 individuals, including Mohan Manjhi and nine women, with further raids ongoing to apprehend additional suspects.

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The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the deep-rooted issue of superstition in rural Bihar. This is not an isolated case; earlier this year, five members of a tribal family in Purnea district were killed over similar witchcraft allegations. The Assam government’s recent SOP on inter-religious land transfers also reflects regional efforts to address social tensions, though it does not directly tackle superstition-driven violence.

As investigations continue, calls are growing for awareness campaigns to combat such beliefs and prevent further tragedies. The Nawada police have urged the public to report suspicious activities to curb mob violence.

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