Suspending Reason

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau provides a grim picture of superstition-related crimes in India. Over the past decade, more than a hundred reported cases of human sacrifices were linked to superstitious practices. In 2022 alone, eight deaths were officially attributed to human sacrifices, while 85 were due to witchcraft-related violence. These numbers, however, are likely underreported, as many cases go unnoticed due to fear, societal pressures, or lack of legal awareness

- AMAL CHANDRA

Superstition has been an intrinsic part of the world's cultural and religious landscape for centuries. Rooted in tradition, folklore, and spiritual beliefs, it continues to influence the lives of millions, sometimes with dangerous and even deadly consequences.

While some superstitions are harmless rituals passed down through generations, others lead to deaths, violence, exploitation, and social regression.

The persistence of superstition not only hinders scientific progress and rational thinking but also deepens social inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized communities. Despite legislative measures and awareness campaigns, superstition-related crimes remain a significant concern in countries like India.

The horrors of superstition often manifest in chilling incidents, such as the Burari deaths of 2018 in Delhi, where eleven members of the Chundawat family were found dead in a suspected case of mass ritual suicide, driven by bizarre spiritual practices and a belief in a supernatural presence. In another tragic case last year, a 35-year-old man in Chhattisgarh died after swallowing a live chick as part of a 'tantric ritual', with the chick becoming lodged in his throat and blocking his trachea.

A particularly horrifying incident occurred in September 2024 in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where an 11-year-old boy was brutally murdered in a black magic ritual by the owner and teachers of a local school, who believed his sacrifice would bring prosperity and success to the institution. Even in a progressive state like Kerala, known for its high literacy rates, cases of human sacrifice and ritualistic crimes have emerged, highlighting how deeply entrenched irrational beliefs continue to drive individuals to commit horrifying acts in the name of faith and prosperity.