CNLU to do socio-legal study on witchcraft persecutions
At a meeting held under CNLU vice-chancellor Faizan Mustafa, the legal experts emphasised the need of studying in detail how gender, caste, class and religion intersect the subject of witchcraft accusations and persecution.
Referring to National Crime Records Bureau data (2000-2016), CNLU senior teacher P P Rao pointed out that over 2,500 women were killed on witchcraft charges during the period. He said that a 2023-24 survey revealed that approximately 75,000 women in Bihar face the threat of being labelled as "daayan" (witch), highlighting the need to bridge knowledge gaps through empirical research and foster a society free from gender-based discrimination and violence.
Mustafa called for an intensive research on this subject. "Although laws establish the parameters for acceptable conduct within society, their efficacy is often constrained without commensurate shifts in social attitudes, cultural practices and supportive mechanisms. In this context, evidence-based research is crucial in understanding the nuances of social problems and developing effective interventions," he said.
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He added that at the core of witchcraft accusations and persecutions lie fear of evil, intertwined with pervasive gender bias, superstitious beliefs and religion. While laws can provide the framework for change, comprehensive research leading to careful analyses of the underlying social dynamics is necessary for achieving effective and sustainable reform, asserted Mustafa.
Director of GRC, Ayushi Dube, said that the proposed study will be as a critical step towards addressing witchcraft-based persecution and fostering gender justice and social reform in Bihar.
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