At least 47 people, including 18 women, were killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft in past two years in Odisha, which had enacted a legislation in 2013 to stop the menace.
"At least 29 males and 18 females were killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft between August 29, 2013 to July 31,2015," said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik replying to a written question in the Assembly.
Stating that the government has made provision of stringent punishment for persons involved in such killings, Patnaik said awareness campaigns are also launched in the vulnerable areas.
He said students in vulnerable areas are being made aware. This apart, police have been carrying out awareness camps with help of NGOs to eradicate the tradition prevalent in backward areas.
The state Assembly had enacted Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Act, 2013 with objective of stopping the practice.
