Agra Police lament death of woman branded as witch

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Ausust 3 (ANI): The Additional Director General of Police in Agra labeled the recent death of a woman, who was lynched for being considered a witch, as unfortunate and said that investigation is underway to find the people responsible for the incident. A 62-year-old woman was allegedly killed by villagers in Dauki region here on Wednesday over rumours of her being the witch who chops off the braids of girls while they are sleeping. ADG Anand Kumar said on Thursday that the incident is highly unfortunate and that there is no such gang. He said, "The woman lost her way while trying to find a toilet. She ended up at the wrong place and was misunderstood." He added that all the nearby magistrates and Senior Superintendents have been alerted with respect to the recent situation. Kumar said, "These rumors started in and around Rajasthan and Haryana. We are trying to make sure that these rumors don't spread." He also said that thorough investigation is underway to find the ones who are actually responsible for these incidents. The woman, identified as Maan Devi, was severely beaten and left bleeding by the mob. The woman was then sent to hospital by the police, and following primary treatment she was discharged. However, on the way back, the woman succumbed to her injuries. The investigation is underway in the matter and the woman's body has been sent for post-mortem. Recently, in many places including Delhi, NCR, Haryana and Agra, incidents of chopping off braids of women at night have come to fore. (ANI)