Bhubaneswar, Jan 31: In a landmark ruling, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has held that branding a person as a ‘Dahani’ (witch) should be treated as a criminal offence and directed the state government to take stringent measures to curb witch-hunting practices.

The order stems from a shocking 2018 incident in which a woman, Yasoda Singh, was brutally murdered after being accused of practicing witchcraft. Rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo had brought the matter to the notice of the Commission, highlighting the continuing menace of witch-hunting despite existing laws.

After examining the case, the OHRC ordered compensation for the victim’s family and reviewed the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, along with the 2014 Composite Action Plan. The Commission observed that the existing legal framework lacks clear preventive provisions against forced eviction, social boycott and inhumane treatment arising from witchcraft allegations.

To address these gaps, OHRC directed the state to declare the use of the term ‘Dahani’ a punishable offence, make the law gender-neutral, and include provisions for prevention, rehabilitation and restorative justice. The Home and Women & Child Development departments were asked to revise the Composite Action Plan with short- and long-term strategies and fix accountability for negligence.

The Commission also recommended widespread awareness campaigns involving self-help groups, anganwadi and ASHA workers, ANMs, NGOs, youth and women’s groups, and folk art troupes in local languages and dialects.

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