Birbhum: A 70-year-old tribal woman was allegedly lynched over accusations of witchcraft in Birbhum district, with police arresting five people in connection with the crime.
The victim, identified as Churki Hembrom, was attacked with a heavy object and a sharp weapon, leaving her dead at the scene, police said on Sunday.
According to officials, the incident took place on Friday evening in the Belia tribal settlement near Rampurhat after a dispute reportedly broke out between the victim and the accused.
Five persons, including the prime accused Shibalal Kisku and several of his family members, have been arrested and produced before a court, a senior police officer said.
“Our officers recovered the weapon used in the murder. The accused admitted committing the crime,” the officer added.
Police have deployed a strong contingent in the village to prevent any further unrest, while an investigation into the incident is under way.
With PTI inputs