Now Reading: Gujarat boy murdered over land dispute amid witchcraft allegations
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Gujarat boy murdered over land dispute amid witchcraft allegations
A nine-year-old boy was abducted and killed by a neighbour in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district after a land dispute escalated. The accused, Savanji Thakor, allegedly kidnapped the child and dumped his body in…
A nine-year-old boy was abducted and killed by a neighbour in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district after a land dispute escalated. The accused, Savanji Thakor, allegedly kidnapped the child and dumped his body in a well. Police recovered the remains the following day.
The boy's family, from the Devipura village, had accused Thakor of threatening them over a plot of agricultural land. During interrogation, the accused reportedly claimed the child was killed because the family practised witchcraft. Investigators have not publicly confirmed any evidence of such practices.
A case of kidnapping and murder has been registered. Thakor remains in police custody. The trial court will hear the matter next after the investigation concludes.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, land disputes in tribal belts of Gujarat have been rising. The Gujarat High Court has earlier noted delays in settling claims under this Act. In this case, the victim's family allegedly had a pending land title claim against the accused. The state government's district revenue office, not the police, holds the records that determine who legally owns the plot. The next hearing in the trial court, where the prosecution will present forensic evidence, is expected in December.
Source: ndtv.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
