GUWAHATI: The government is yet to formulate a tough law to fight the crime of witch hunting though more than 100 people have been killed in Assam in the last ten years.
Altogether 116 people, including 66 women, had been killed in the state from 2001 to 2011 (up to June 30) in witch hunting cases, Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain informed the state Assembly on Monday.
He was replying to separate questions on witch hunting on behalf of the Chief Minister, who holds the Home portfolio.
Mr Hussain further informed that 96 cases had been registered from 2001 to 2011 (up to June 30) and 420 accused people arrested.
Of these cases, 54 resulted into charge-sheet, 19 returned in FR and 23 cases are still pending for further investigation, he added.
The minister said the state government was conducting awareness camps, with help of women groups and NGOs as well as the police, in the tribal areas where instances of witch hunting occur the most.
He, however, added that there is no proposal at present to adopt any tough law to specifically deal with witch hunting. (UNI)