Unarmed and gullible villagers driven by superstitions are apparently posing more challenges than gun-toting extremists to police in the hinterland of Jharkhand, leaving security apparatus useless when it comes to tackling atrocities against women, especially those committed in the garb of witch-hunting.
While people-friendly initiatives and strong intelligence network, aided by local people, have been key to the success in anti-rebel operations in recent times, police have always remained in the dark in matters related to brutalities meted out to women branded as witches in the remote areas.
Sources in the state police headquarters in Ranchi revealed that there had not been a single significant example when timely intervention by police helped prevent a witch-killing or assault on a woman. The police got the information only after a particular incident had taken place, they claimed.
Realising the gap, state CID, around four months ago, had directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) posted in districts like Simdega, Gumla, Khunti, Ranchi, East and West Singhbhums to develop intelligence networks in remote villages to check the menace. However, the efforts in this regard are yet to yield desired results.
CID IG Sampat Meena admitted that lack of intelligence inputs on the incidents of witch-hunting was greatly responsible for delayed action by police.
“We have given specific directions to the DCs and SPs to cultivate intelligence sources, launch awareness drives and make ojhas party to cases related to witch-hunting. We have also launched a helpline for women and identified certain sensitive areas that need special attention. But, we still have a long way to go,” said Meena told The Telegraph.
A senior police officer posted in a rebel-hit district, which has also been in news for witch-hunt cases, argued that intelligence network never worked against this social menace as effectively as it did against extremism or any other kinds of crimes.
“In case of rebels or other criminals, all intelligence agencies work in tandem. Then, we have the tools to track their every movement, mobile phone locations and conversations. Often their enemies provide us with necessary inputs that help police nab rebels or criminals and prevent untoward incidents. However, in case of witch-hunting, almost the entire village gangs up against the woman suspected to be practising witchcraft. And the police remain clueless. Now, is it possible to set up police pickets in every village?” the officer asked.
Simdega DC Vijoy Kumar Singh said deep-rooted superstitions and beliefs related to indigenous culture were greatly responsible for “witch” killings. “Regular awareness drives and health check-up camps are held in villages to sensitise people on the issue. Yet, 22 such incidents have been reported from different parts of my district this year alone. We came to know of these cases only after everything was over. We have arrested the culprits in all the cases, but that is no cure in real sense of the term,” he elaborated.
Jharkhand State Women’s Commission chairperson Mahua Maji stressed on the need for improving the quality of education at schools and colleges to tackle the deep-rooted superstitions. Availability of doctors and medicines at rural health centres will prevent villagers from going to ojhas, who often instigate such witch-hunting.
“Jharkhand is now passing through a transition phase. Sustained awareness campaigns and proper education are the need of the hour to end such social evils,” she added.
source:thetelegraph