Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh erupted in horror as a man driven by paranoia over sorcery hacked two neighbors to death. The February 12 bloodbath in Antarva village claimed the lives of Kajal Singh and Phoolmati, with two others critically wounded.
Local resident Chhatrapati Singh accused the victims of using black magic to curse his family. Childless despite years of marriage, and devastated by his wife’s recent miscarriage, he snapped. Armed with an axe, he attacked without warning.
Eyewitnesses described chaos as bystanders rushed to stop the frenzy, only to be slashed themselves. The injured pair was rushed to hospital, where doctors are fighting to stabilize them.
On arriving, police discovered ritualistic items including multiple coconuts placed on a chabutra, alongside the murder weapon. The scene painted a picture of deep-seated superstition.
Chhatrapati fled into a nearby home and locked himself in, prompting a prolonged police operation. After intense efforts, he surrendered peacefully.
Community members revealed the accused’s growing obsession with witchcraft since his personal tragedies. This gruesome case reignites debates on tackling irrational beliefs that continue to claim lives in India’s hinterlands.