A disturbing incident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on September 6, 2024, has brought global attention to the issue of superstition in India. A nine-year-old boy was nearly killed by a teacher at his school, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of five individuals, including the school's manager, for the alleged ritual sacrifice of another child.
The case has sparked outrage and highlighted the extreme lengths to which some individuals will go in the name of superstition. Reports indicate that the accused believed that sacrificing a child would help the school overcome financial difficulties.
This incident is not isolated. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India reported eight cases of human sacrifice in 2022, with a total of 111 fatalities attributed to such practices between 2014 and 2022. The prevalence of superstition in Indian society continues to pose a significant threat, particularly to vulnerable populations, including women and children.
Professor Shyam Manav, a long-time activist against superstition, emphasized the need for education and scientific reasoning to combat these beliefs. He noted that superstitions often stem from fear and greed, and without a shift in mindset, such practices will persist.
While some Indian states have enacted laws against human sacrifice and related practices, the effectiveness of these laws remains uncertain. The recent events in Hathras serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change and greater awareness to eradicate superstition.