(a) whether scores of women are regularly killed on charges of witchcraft across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Assam; and
(c) the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for prevention of such activities in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a)& (b): As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, a total of 175, 175, 178 persons were murdered due to witchcraft during 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. State/UT wise (Including Assam) number of victims of murders due to witchcraft during 2008-2010 are at Annex.
(c): The NCRB data indicates that firstly, the overall number of cases is not large and secondly, these cases are localised. Thus, state specific legislations may be adequate to
address this issue as they can take into account the local needs