On International Women’s Day, Khabar Lahariya hosted a crucial roundtable discussion on witch-hunting in rural India, a brutal practice that continues to claim lives. The event brought together survivors, activists, legal experts, and policymakers to address the deep-rooted social stigma, violence, and legal loopholes that allow these atrocities to persist.

The Reality of Witch-Hunting in India

Witch-hunting remains a grim reality in many parts of rural India, where superstition and patriarchal structures fuel violence against women. In the past year alone, Khabar Lahariya has reported multiple cases of women being brutally assaulted—or even burned alive—after being accused of practicing witchcraft. These attacks are often motivated by land disputes, personal vendettas, or efforts to control women’s autonomy.

Key Panelists and Discussions

The roundtable featured:
✔️ Survivors who have bravely fought against the stigma and violence
✔️ Activists who are working to raise awareness and demand action
✔️ Legal experts & policymakers discussing existing laws and their implementation

Our moderator Laxmi Sharma, Journalist at Khabar Lahariya, shared:
"Growing up in Bihar, I remember hearing stories about so-called witches in our villages. We were warned to avoid certain streets or women. Today, as a journalist covering these cases in 2024 and 2025, it is deeply disturbing that such practices still persist. This discussion is an effort to understand why these incidents continue and what can be done to stop them."

Catch the highlights and live updates here:
👉 Live Tweets from the Roundtable
👉Live Streaming