Seraikela: Padma Shri Chhutni Mahato assures support to witch-hunt survivor

Mail News Service

Seraikela, May 29: In a case highlighting the ongoing menace of superstition and witch-hunting, Jyotsna Sardar, a resident of Hudu village under Kandra police station, has sought justice after enduring repeated harassment and threats from her own family.

Jyotsna, accused of practicing witchcraft, reached out to the Family Counseling Centre at Birbans for help. She submitted a formal complaint to Padma Shri awardee and social activist Chhutni Mahato, who heads the center and has been a prominent voice against witch-hunting.

In her complaint, Jyotsna alleged that her mother-in-law Mithila Sardar, sister-in-law Savita Sardar, brother-in-law Harmohan Sardar, sister-in-law Pooja Sardar, and brother-in-law Sohan Sardar routinely abused, threatened, and accused her of being a witch. The accusations intensified whenever a child in the family fell ill, with the family blaming her for using witchcraft to harm them.

Living in constant fear and mental distress, Jyotsna appealed for protection and legal action against the accused. She expressed her fear for her life and requested urgent intervention.

Chhutni Mahato, who herself once survived witch-hunting and has since fought for justice in over a thousand such cases, has taken the matter seriously. She has assured Jyotsna of all necessary legal support and promised to stand by her in her fight for justice.