Superstition Turns Deadly in Palghar: Woman Killed, Husband Critical After Axe Attack Over Black Magic Suspicion
Palghar, 5th June 2026: A shocking incident of violence allegedly triggered by superstition and suspicion of black magic has claimed the life of a woman and left her husband critically injured in the Saravali area of Dahanu taluka in Palghar district.
According to police, the accused, Vilas Arjun Namkoda, a resident of Saravali Patilpada, suspected his neighbours, Suresh Harji Bharkud and Gulab Suresh Bharkud, of practicing black magic against his family. The suspicion reportedly arose after the accused’s wife, who had been suffering from recurring illnesses, passed away a few days ago.
Driven by this belief, Namkoda allegedly attacked the couple with an axe between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Wednesday, causing severe injuries to both victims.
Following the attack, local residents and relatives rushed the injured couple to the Dahanu Sub-District Hospital. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, they were later referred to a hospital in Gujarat for advanced treatment. However, Gulab Bharkud succumbed to her injuries during treatment, while Suresh Bharkud remains in critical condition.
In a dramatic turn of events, the accused allegedly consumed poison after the attack and was subsequently admitted to the Dahanu Sub-District Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Based on a complaint lodged by Avinash Vikya Gujar, Dahanu Police registered a case under Crime Register No. 132/2026 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway under the supervision of Police Inspector Kiran Pawar.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of superstition and blind faith, which continue to claim lives despite growing awareness and legal safeguards against such practices.
