Agartala, Nov 6: Police in Tripura have arrested Prafulla Debbarma, the prime accused in the gruesome witchcraft-related murder of Nanda Rani Debbarma, which took place in Kobra Para under Sidhai police station on October 26.
According to police reports, a group of local villagers allegedly branded Nanda Rani a witch and brutally killed her. After committing the murder, the accused buried the body and attempted to mislead the community by spreading rumours that she had died by suicide.
The incident came to light when the victim’s younger sister filed a formal complaint with Sidhai Police Station, suspecting foul play. Following the complaint, police initiated an investigation and, on October 28, exhumed the victim’s body for post-mortem examination. After the autopsy confirmed homicide, the body was reburied with police supervision.
A case was registered against nine individuals involved in the crime. Acting on credible intelligence, police successfully arrested Prafulla Debbarma, identified as the mastermind behind the killing. So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Speaking to the media, Sidhai Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ajit Kanti Chakma said that the investigation is progressing swiftly and that no one involved in this brutal act will be spared. He added that witchcraft accusations often lead to serious violence in rural areas, and strong legal action is being taken to curb such superstitious practices.
The arrest of the main accused marks a major breakthrough in the case, which has shocked the local community and reignited discussions on the need for greater awareness and strict enforcement against witch-hunting in Tripura.
