Digboi: Three women have been arrested in connection with the alleged torture and murder of a woman aged above 50 years on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Ultapool Ouguri Gaon under Digboi Police Station in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

The incident reportedly took place on October 28, but the arrests were made on Tuesday morning following an investigation by Digboi Police, which faced initial difficulties due to a lack of eyewitness accounts and physical evidence.

According to sources familiar with the case, the victim was allegedly tortured by members of her community, including some of her own relatives, after being branded a witch. The alleged involvement of family members has added another disturbing dimension to the incident.

Sources claimed that the woman was initially suspended by hanging and an attempt was allegedly made to set her on fire. She reportedly managed to escape, but was subsequently assaulted again. Her legs were allegedly tied with a long rope before she was eventually killed. These accounts are yet to be independently established as the police investigation continues.

The investigation reportedly encountered significant obstacles after police received information about the incident and reached the village. By then, villagers had allegedly cremated the woman’s body around 20 minutes before the police arrived, preventing its recovery for forensic examination.

According to a police official, those allegedly involved, including some of the victim’s relatives, claimed that she had died following a pressure stroke. Investigators also initially received no eyewitness accounts, while no formal complaint had been filed on the day of the incident.

Despite these challenges, Digboi Police continued the investigation by gathering information through Village Defence Parties (VDPs), identifying people who had visited the village on the day of the incident and making discreet inquiries among relatives living in nearby Makum and Dibrugarh.

A police official said the team eventually gathered material evidence and eyewitness accounts that helped investigators make progress in the case.

The three arrested women have been identified as Buri Chautal (45), wife of Raju Chautal; Simla Majhi (35), wife of Robi Majhi; and Anima Chautal (48), wife of late Mangal Chautal. All three are residents of Ultapool Ouguri Gaon.

The case has been registered as Digboi Police Station Case No. 111/2026 under Sections 3(5), 74, 103(2), 217(a) and 283(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 4(i), 5, 8, 9 and 12 of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015.

Police have indicated that further arrests are possible as the investigation progresses. Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged involvement of other villagers and family members.

Meanwhile, the Digboi Nagarik Committee has appreciated the efforts of the police team for pursuing the case despite the initial challenges. It particularly acknowledged the team led by Inspector Pranjal Chetia, under the supervision of Digboi Superintendent of Police Himangshu Gohain and the Co-District Superintendent of Police.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the continuing threat posed by witch-hunting, a practice driven by superstition that can lead to extreme violence against vulnerable individuals.

The investigation is now focused on establishing the complete sequence of events, identifying everyone allegedly involved and determining their respective roles in the woman’s death.