Jamshedpur: A 38-year-old man allegedly hacked his sister-in-law and 10-year-old niece to death at Bara Torlo village in West Singhbhum district on Saturday over suspicion of witchcraft, police said.Police said the accused, Ramaye Birua, returned home intoxicated on Saturday afternoon and got into an argument with Nanika Birua, 33, wife of his younger brother, Dakhal Singh Birua. As the altercation escalated, Ramaye allegedly picked up an axe and repeatedly struck Nanika on the head, killing her on the spot.He then attacked his niece, Sharmila, who tried to flee after witnessing the assault. Police said Ramaye chased the child and struck her fatally with the same weapon.Hearing the screams, Dakhal, who was working in a nearby field, rushed home. The accused allegedly tried to attack him too, but Dakhal managed to escape.Ramaye fled into a nearby forest after the double murder. Police launched a search operation and arrested him from his residence early on Sunday. The murder weapon was later recovered based on his statement.A case has been registered at Manjhari police station on Dakhal’s complaint.Dakhal told police that Ramaye had been married for nearly five years but was childless, leaving him disturbed and increasingly influenced by superstitious beliefs. He allegedly suspected Nanika of practising witchcraft to prevent him from having children.He also told police that Ramaye frequently assaulted his wife under the influence of alcohol, forcing her to seek shelter with Dakhal’s family, which deepened his resentment.Manjhari police station officer in-charge Dilip Majhi said that all possible angles, including witch-hunting and family dispute, are being thoroughly investigated.
