3 get life term for killing woman

Ranchi, Sep 12 (PTI) A local court Wednesday sentenced three men to life imprisonment for killing a 45-year-old woman, after accusing her of practicing witchcraft in Ranchi district about nine years ago.

District and sessions judge S S Prasad found Sunil Oraon, Mahavir Oraon, and Ropan Oraon guilty of the crime and awarded them life term. The court also fined them Rs 13,000 each, and in default, they would have to undergo an additional four-and-a-half month jail term.

The judge acquitted two others accused of lack of evidence. Bati Oraine was dragged out of the house on the night of July 24, 2009, and beaten to death by the convicts, who accused her of practicing witchcraft.