Take actions to root out witchcraft in Karnataka

Following reports of witchcraft and human sacrifice in Mangalore, comes a report which recommends more social reforms and vigilance against demonic rituals and superstitious practices in shrines and temples.

The report, presented by assistant commissioner (revenue department) of Mangalore, Prabhulinga Kavalkatti, discusses various issues like the persistence of superstitions and ritualistic practices that have tendencies to harm human lives.

The report has suggested the endowment department to carry out periodical reports from every shrine in the district, including temples, daiva sthanas (spirit-worshipping centres) and other shrines that have their own religious and semi-religious practices.

“My report is based mainly on the public opinions that I gathered as the one-man commission as directed by the deputy commissioner. I found out that there was a public anger due to the practice of demonic and superstitious rituals, particularly in the case of the death of young Priyanka on last Thursday. People in the Yeyyadi area have unanimously condemned the incident and wanted the government to use all its might to prevent recurrence of such acts,” said Kavalkatti.

Local non-governmental organisations, pressure groups, anganwadis should be sensitised about superstitions and other evils of the society, including ritualistic practices where human or animal life was at stake, the report said.

They should be given training to spread awareness in their respective areas to discourage demonic and ritualistic practices.

The report also stated that the Janaspandana programme held by the police should take stock of the activities of the shrines in their respective jurisdiction.

“The idea was to involve as many public servants as possible in the task of monitoring the activities at these shrines. The information department can also prepare literature and audio-visual programmes to spread awareness about such social evils,” said Kavalkatti.

The report was commissioned by Subodh Yadav, deputy commissioner, Dakshina Kannada district. Yadav said, “The report will be sent to 3-4 departments that have jurisdiction and authority over control of such superstitious practices. I will forward it higher authorities as soon as the final draft is ready,” he said.