Bihar man, 73, killed in Bhojpur after alleged assault by brother over superstition
Synopsis
A 73-year-old man in Bihar's Bhojpur district was allegedly beaten to death by his younger brother — a dispute that reportedly had been festering for over two years, fuelled by the belief that the victim's exorcism practices caused a family death. The accused is absconding and police are yet to receive a formal complaint.
Key Takeaways
Hiralal Ram , 73 , died at his home in Mithaha village, Bhojpur, Bihar on Friday morning after an alleged assault by his younger brother.
The accused, Lalbabu Ram , allegedly believed Hiralal's exorcism practices were responsible for his daughter's death roughly two-and-a-half years ago.
Hiralal was reportedly struck on the back of the head with sticks and clubs at Lalbabu's residence on Thursday night .
The body was sent to Ara Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Lalbabu Ram has been absconding since the incident; police await a formal family complaint to proceed with arrest.
A 73-year-old man died in Bihar's Bhojpur district on Friday morning after he was allegedly beaten by his younger brother during a family dispute rooted in superstition. The victim, Hiralal Ram, sustained a fatal head injury and succumbed at his home in Mithaha village under the limits of Dhangai police station.
What Happened
According to family members and police, the confrontation began on Thursday night when Hiralal visited the residence of his younger brother, Lalbabu Ram. A verbal quarrel quickly turned violent. Family members said Hiralal was struck on the back of his head with sticks and clubs, then carried home in critical condition. He died the following morning from his injuries.
The Superstition Behind the Dispute
The alleged motive, according to family accounts, traces back roughly two-and-a-half years to the death of Lalbabu's daughter. Lalbabu reportedly blamed Hiralal — who was known in the village as a traditional healer and exorcist — for his daughter's death, believing that Hiralal's occult practices had caused it. The grievance, simmering for years, is said to have finally erupted into the fatal confrontation.
Police Response and Investigation
Officers reached Mithaha village after being alerted and took custody of the body, which was sent to Ara Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. The accused, Lalbabu Ram, has been absconding since the incident, according to officials. Bhojpur police confirmed they are awaiting a formal written complaint from the family before initiating further legal action, including efforts to arrest the suspect.
Broader Context
Violence linked to accusations of witchcraft and supernatural practices remains a documented problem in several rural districts of Bihar and neighbouring states. Victims are frequently elderly individuals or those perceived to hold unconventional roles in their communities. This case underscores how long-held superstitious beliefs can escalate into lethal family conflicts, often in the absence of timely social intervention. Authorities have yet to release further details pending the post-mortem report.
Point of View
But their enforcement in cases involving informal healers and exorcists remains inconsistent.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Bhojpur, Bihar assault case?
The victim was Hiralal Ram , a 73-year-old resident of Mithaha village in Bhojpur district, Bihar. He was a traditional healer and exorcist and was allegedly beaten to death by his younger brother, Lalbabu Ram, during a family dispute.
What was the reason for the attack?
According to family members, Lalbabu Ram blamed Hiralal for the death of his daughter roughly two-and-a-half years ago, believing Hiralal's occult and exorcism practices were responsible. The long-standing grievance reportedly erupted into violence on Thursday night.
Has the accused been arrested?
No. Lalbabu Ram has been absconding since the incident. Bhojpur police said they are awaiting a formal written complaint from the family before proceeding with arrest efforts.
Where is the case being investigated?
The case falls under Dhangai police station in Bhojpur district, Bihar. The body was sent to Ara Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination, the results of which are awaited.
Is superstition-linked violence common in this region?
Violence rooted in witchcraft accusations and superstitious beliefs is a documented problem in several rural districts of Bihar and neighbouring states. Victims are often elderly individuals or those perceived as holding unconventional community roles, and cases frequently go unreported.
