Tribal woman lynched over witch allegation in Bengal's Birbhum, 5 arrested
Birbhum (WB) (PTI): A tribal woman was allegedly hacked to death over a witchcraft accusation in West Bengal's Birbhum district, police said on Sunday.
The victim, identified as 70-year-old Churki Hembrom, was attacked with a heavy object and a sharp weapon, leaving her dead at the scene, they said.
Five people, including prime accused Shibalal Kisku and his family members, have been arrested and produced in court on Sunday, a senior officer said.
"Our officers recovered the weapon used in the murder. The accused admitted committing the crime," he said.
The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Belia tribal settlement at Rampurhat after a dispute arose between the victim and the accused.
"We have deployed a strong police contingent in the village to prevent further unrest," a senior officer said, adding that police were investigating the matter.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Political parties upbeat as Assembly poll battle begins in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Political parties in Kerala expressed confidence about the electoral battle ahead soon after the Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the Assembly polls.
The Assembly election for 140 seats will be held in Kerala on April 9.
Both the CPI(M) and the CPI of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) were the first to announce their candidates, and many of them kicked off their election campaigns soon after the announcements.
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said seat sharing in the Front has almost been completed on time, and clarity is required for only a few seats.
"Even though the seat-sharing consensus has been reached in the Front, candidates are being decided by the respective parties. They will announce candidates separately," he said.
He said the CPI(M) has already announced candidates, and campaign activities have begun.
ALSO READ: IMFL worth Rs 1.20 crore being smuggled to Bihar seized in UP; 2 arrested
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan, said the United Democratic Front (UDF) will contest the elections as a united team.
"It is the team UDF that is facing the election. We will return to power with over 100 seats," he said.
Satheesan said the confidence of winning over 100 seats stems from the UDF’s victories in recent bypolls and local body elections.
He said the Congress is also ready to announce its candidates.
"We have said that after the election announcement, we will announce candidates within 24 hours. There is no doubt about it," he said.
Satheesan added that the candidates would be announced in New Delhi after party leaders reach there on Monday.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said only 25 days remain to bring about a change of government.
"It is not a time for rest. Everyone should move forward with vigour. For the UDF, it is the final phase after victories in the bypolls and local body elections," he said.
Thangal also said the Muslim League would soon announce its candidates as the final round of discussions would conclude shortly.
The BJP is also expected to announce its candidates in the coming days.
