Odisha plans courts and aid for witch-hunting victims
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Odisha officials are developing a new policy to combat witch-hunting, proposing special courts and quicker trials for those accused of the practice.
The draft policy, created by the Women and Child Development Department, intends to improve prevention efforts and provide faster rescue and legal support in rural and tribal areas of the state. These courts will use the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act of 2013, along with other relevant laws, and will employ trained prosecutors to speed up cases.
The policy also focuses on accountability, requiring police to properly investigate complaints and take action against officials who fail to do so. Victims and witnesses will have access to trauma-informed procedures during legal proceedings and may be eligible for relocation through the state’s Witness Protection Scheme. Beyond legal measures, the Odisha government plans to proactively identify vulnerable villages and work with local groups like Gram Sabhas and schools to raise awareness and combat superstition.
Authorities will also establish a fund, supported in part by court fines, to provide long-term support and compensation to those who have been persecuted. The policy acknowledges that witch-hunting stems from deeper issues like poverty and social exclusion, not just superstition.
