Witch Hunting
Witch Hunting
Witch-hunting is a deplorable practice. CAW&CW has been investigating into these crimes taking place due to superstitious belief at the grassroots level. Besides enforcing law, awareness drives engaging local leaders, women’s groups, Panchayati Raj Institutions, accredited social health activists and frontline workers are being carried out at grassroots level. The Wing also keeps liaison with various stakeholders including officials of W&CD Department, Child welfare committee, Human Rights Commission, State Women Commission etc. on witch-hunting related issues.
| EMERGENCY CONTACT NO | : | 112 |
| WHOM TO CONTACT | : | Police Station or Helpline |
| HOW TO REPORT | : | Mahila & Shishu Help Desk of nearest Police Station |
| KNOW YOUR NEAREST POLICE STATION | : | https://www.odishapolice.gov.in/?q=node/2630 |
| HELPLINE | : | 181 | 1098 (Childline) | 1800-4191-813 (Sampark Help Desk) |
Laws for Witch Hunting: Witch-hunting violates Articles 14, 15, 21 of the Indian Constitution. State Government has framed Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act-2013 to tackle this menace. Besides, different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including Section 302 (for murder), Section 307 (for an attempt to murder), Section 323 (for hurt), Section 354 (outraging of women’s modesty) and Section 500 (defamation) of the IPC can be evoked in Witch Hunting cases.