No state home for rescued victims

With the practice of banamati – as witchcraft is known locally – grabbing the spotlight once again, it’s imperative to examine why authorities have failed to tackle this social issue.

The reason lies in the fact that most women who were accused of witchcraft did not seek any legal or police assistance even when they were harassed for days, weeks and months. The shame and isolation they faced for a long time within their community stopped them from approaching the police.

The fact that there are no government initiatives in the state to provide rehabilitation, relief, or any form of compensation even if the women are rescued by private parties is also a deterrent.

Mahbubnagar superintendent of police Rama Rajeswari said: “It’s really hard for such women to come out and approach the police. It rarely happens. Once branded a witch, she is kept away from the society. No one will visit her house and she will not be allowed to participate in any social gatherings. The stigma haunts her and she’s reluctant to report the matter to the police.”

“Even if she goes to the police, she might face repercussions from villagers who will turn against her for lodging a complaint,” she added.

Previous incidents have shown that if the “witch” seeks police help, village heads and elders, who have already boycotted her, may take extreme steps against her.

Activists say zero measures are taken in Telangana state for rehabilitation of such women. Due to this, it is impossible for police or NGOs to rescue the woman and accommodate her somewhere safe. All state homes for adults in Telangana are for victims of trafficking; rescued “witches” can’t be housed there.

“Unlike trafficking victims, women accused of witchcraft typically live with their family members. So even if you shift them to a home, they are likely to run away and return to their homes," Ms Rajeswari said.