Which is Witch, asks The Week

The whole world and it’s little ones are lapping up Harry Potter’s exploits and discovering the charm (no pun intended) of magic and witchcraft and wizardry. In India, it is business as usual for the witch-hunters.

The recent issue of The Week carries a story of gruesome incidents in Chattisgarh involving women allegedly involved in black magic and sorcery. Witch-hunting, common in England and in Europe in the medieval times is still prevalent in most parts of India.

Just one instance. Three women from Lachkera village in Raipur were paraded naked and villagers put burning coal in their mouths in October 2001. This barbaric torture went on for six hours as ‘punishment’ for attempting to make the villagers ill.

Fully exploiting the ignorance and superstitious fears of people, witch hunting is initiated by the opinion leaders in such societies – typically the medical man (quack), or the village head.

And it could be anyone – usually women.

No trial. Only judgment. So much so that the term ‘witch-hunt’ has come to stand for “An investigation carried out ostensibly to uncover subversive activities but actually used to harass and undermine those with differing views”