A cop was injured in a fight that broke out between two families in Aniaga village under North Garo Hills district after one family member accused the other of practicing witchcraft.
According to police, the incident occurred on November 11 at around 2:30 to 3 pm and police from Bajengdoba police station had to rush to calm the situation.
No one was injured in the incident but the officer in charge received head injuries.
North Garo Hills Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ravi K. Sangma said the officer received minor injuries, which happens when on the job.
He said a member of one of the families had died due to some sickness for which he had also availed medical help from a hospital. However, his family accused the other of casting a spell that led to the death of a man.
A case has been registered and the accused family were shifted to another village for security reasons, even as investigation into the case is on, he added.
He also informed that an awareness programme has been scheduled in the area by the district administration by involving church leaders so people don’t fall victim to such superstitions.
Aniaga village is a remote village with 40-50 households and such cases have emerged frequently in the adjoining areas as well. Last year about four cases of suspected witchcraft were reported from areas under Bajengdoba.