Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Witch-hunting remains a persistent and brutal practice in several regions of India, especially in Jharkhand witnessing some of the highest incidences of this violence, particularly against tribal women. This article critically examines the socio-cultural and historical roots of witch-hunting in Jharkhand, revealing how it is often weaponized as a tool of patriarchal control, caste-based discrimination, and land appropriation. Despite the existence of laws like the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 2001 in Jharkhand, the prevalence of the practice highlights the inadequacy of legal interventions that fail to address the underlying social stigma and systemic marginalization. Through analysis of case studies, government crime data, and scholarly insights, the article exposes the intersectional vulnerabilities of tribal women and critiques the failures in policing, community awareness, and legal redressal mechanisms. It concludes by recommending, including culturally-sensitive legal reforms, grassroots advocacy, gender-sensitive education, and the integration of tribal voices into policymaking, as necessary strategies for dismantling the deeply deep-rooted practice of witch-hunting in Jharkhand.