In this era, it’s surprising that people still believe in superstitions. In Chhattisgarh, these beliefs have come to the forefront again, especially after recent violent incidents and remarks from political leaders.

BJP MP Bhojraj Nag from Kanker made a controversial comment during a public event, saying that cutting a lemon could help speed up government development projects. Many people feel that this promotes superstitious beliefs.

His statement comes at a time when the state is facing several brutal murders linked to black magic, making the issue even more concerning.

Are superstitions really causing people's deaths?

Chhattisgarh has recently seen some terrible events where people were killed because others thought they were involved in witchcraft or black magic. One of the worst cases happened on September 15 in Sukma district, where a police officer named Mausam Buchcha and his family were attacked and killed by people who believed they were doing black magic. Similarly, on September 12 in Balodabazar-Bhatapara, four members of a family were murdered after being accused of practicing witchcraft.

In another sad incident on October 5, a 55-year-old man named Bhuvaneshwar Yadav is said to have cut his own neck in what looked like a self-sacrifice at a local temple in Ninwa village near Raipur. There have also been other cases where family members have killed their relatives as part of sacrificial rituals, believing it would please gods or spirits.

The police have arrested people involved in these cases, but violence caused by superstitions is still a big problem. From January 2020 to June 2024, there were 54 murders in the state because of superstitions. Every year, Chhattisgarh sees over 200 cases of violence related to superstitions. In 2021, the state had the most witchcraft-related incidents in India, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Although the Chhattisgarh government introduced the "Tonhi Harassment Act" in 2005 to combat superstition-related crimes, the problem persists. Dr. Dinesh Mishra, President of the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, emphasised the need for greater awareness of health and science to prevent such incidents.

 

Political leaders start debate with comments supporting superstitions

 

The comments made by MP Bhojraj Nag have drawn criticism, with Chhattisgarh Congress President Deepak Baij condemning the remarks. "It is unfortunate when public representatives promote such beliefs. Superstition runs deep within the Bharatiya Janata Party," he said. Dr. Dinesh Mishra added, "Leaders should promote rational thinking, not superstitions."