67 villagers convicted for assaulting woman over 'black magic'

Sixty-seven persons, including nine women, have been sentenced to five years imprisonment by a district court for attempting to murder a woman after accusing her of practicing black magic.
The accused, residents of Medchedpally village of Pedda Shankrampet mandal in Medak district, attacked a woman called Sangamma on May 31, 2009 for allegedly performing black magic.
Seeking protection, Sangamma's husband Yellaiah approached Pedda Shankrampet police station, following which a police team led by sub-inspector Shyamsunder went to the spot.
The mob pelted stones at the police team, injuring Shyamsunder and two other policemen. Police fired eight rounds to disperse the mob and rescued Sangamma.

Police subsequently booked 67 persons for attempt to murder. Senior Civil Judge Chandrasekhar Prasad yesterday convicted all of them.
Apart from five-year jail term, fine of Rs 2,500 was also imposed on each of them.
One of the convicts, Yadagiri, is absconding while the remaining were taken into custody after the verdict and sent to Cherlapally jail in Hyderabad.