JHALSA Acts On Report Of Woman, Minor Son Burnt Alive On Witchcraft Allegations; Grants Interim Financial Assistance

The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has taken cognizance of a newspaper report concerning the alleged burning to death of a woman and her minor son in Chaibasa on suspicion of witchcraft, and the grievous burn injuries sustained by her husband.

The Executive Chairman, JHALSA, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, directed immediate intervention in the matter. Acting on these directions, the Member Secretary instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chaibasa, to provide urgent legal and humanitarian assistance to the affected family and submit a report.

A team constituted by DLSA, Chaibasa, promptly ensured hospitalization of the injured husband and provided essential food supplies to the family. Panel Advocate Pramod Prasad and Para Legal Volunteer Santosh Kumar were appointed to provide legal assistance.

Further, on the directions of Justice Prasad, financial assistance of ₹25,000 was provided to the victim's family. DLSA has also undertaken measures to ensure the family's safety and will conduct awareness programmes in the village, including campaigns under Project Suraksha.