In a remote village in eastern India, the death of a young child earlier this year triggered a chain of events that reflects a persistent reality across parts of rural India.

With no immediate medical explanation available, suspicion quickly turned toward a middle-aged widow living on the outskirts of the settlement. Within hours, whispers spread that she was responsible through supernatural means.

Villagers gathered outside her home late into the night, accusing her of practising witchcraft. Local accounts indicate that the situation escalated rapidly, with a group attempting to assault her before intervention by a few residents who alerted authorities.

Police later escorted the woman out of the village for her safety.Incidents of this nature, often described as “witch-hunting,” continue to be reported in several states, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare, education and formal dispute resolution mechanisms.

While laws criminalising such acts exist in multiple states, enforcement remains uneven.the role of local healers and misinformationIn many cases, suspicion is reinforced by the involvement of local healers, often referred to as “ojhas” or “tantriks,” who are consulted when illness or misfortune strikes.

These individuals, who operate outside formal medical systems, may attribute events such as disease, crop failure or livestock deaths to supernatural causes.Residents in affected regions say such consultations are often the first response due to the absence of nearby medical facilities.

In the recent village case, locals said a healer had suggested that “an external force” was responsible for the child’s death, which contributed to the targeting of the woman.Social dynamics also play a role.

Those accused are frequently from vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly individuals or those without strong family support. Disputes over land, inheritance or personal grievances can intersect with superstition, intensifying accusations.

India does not have a single national law addressing witch-hunting, but several states, including Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha, have enacted legislation criminalising accusations of witchcraft and related violence.

These laws provide for penalties including imprisonment and fines for those involved in branding individuals as witches or inciting harm.However, law enforcement officials acknowledge challenges in implementation.

Cases often go unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of awareness. In some instances, local communities may resist police intervention, viewing such matters as internal issues.

Data on the scale of the problem remains fragmented, though periodic reports from government and civil society organisations indicate that dozens of cases are recorded each year.

Activists say the actual number is likely higher, as many incidents are settled informally or not documented.Efforts to address superstition-driven violence have focused on awareness campaigns, education initiatives and improving access to healthcare.

Non-governmental organisations working in rural areas report gradual shifts in attitudes, particularly among younger populations.At the same time, deeply rooted beliefs continue to influence behaviour.

In regions where literacy levels are low and public services limited, traditional explanations for illness and misfortune often persist alongside modern systems.

Officials involved in rural development programmes say that long-term change depends on strengthening institutional presence in villages, including schools, healthcare centres and legal support systems.

They emphasise that addressing underlying socio-economic conditions is critical to reducing reliance on superstition.For the woman at the centre of the recent incident, relocation has provided temporary safety, but her future remains uncertain. Local authorities say they are monitoring the situation, though no arrests have been confirmed.

Across rural India, similar episodes continue to highlight the intersection of belief, vulnerability and governance, underscoring the challenges of ensuring legal protection in areas where traditional practices remain deeply embedded.

The summit opened with a heartfelt tribute to the Hunter Syndrome warriors who have lost their lives to this challenging disease. Their legacy served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for accessible treatment, research, and policy implementation in India’s rare disease ecosystem.

Prof. (Dr.) Shefali Gulati of AIIMS, New Delhi, and member of the Central Technical Committee for Rare Diseases (CTCRD), stressed the importance of collaboration across all stakeholders. She called for a coordinated approach that strengthens advocacy, improves patient care, and ensures efficient execution of rare disease policies.

Mr. Saurabh Singh, Co-founder and Director of the Rare Diseases India Foundation (RDIF), highlighted gaps in the implementation of the National Rare Disease Policy 2021 (NRDP). While Hunter Syndrome is officially recognized, financial support under the policy remains insufficient, and treatment costs continue to pose major challenges for families.

He emphasized that the Rs. 50 lakh assistance under NRDP does not meet the realities of treatment, which often costs crores. Patients face barriers to support, especially in private hospitals, and Ayushman Bharat Yojna benefits are limited to BPL families, leaving many patients without coverage.

Mr. Singh also pointed out the lack of caregiver support and the absence of insurance coverage for rare diseases. Limited research in India further prevents cost reduction for life-saving therapies. Judicial delays in some cases deny children their fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, underscoring the urgency of policy action.

He drew attention to the specific challenges faced by dependents of Defence personnel and CGHS beneficiaries, where delays in drug procurement can create treatment gaps of three to six months. Despite funding allocations, bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to put lives at risk.

Drawing a parallel with India’s rapid COVID-19 vaccine development, Mr. Singh questioned why progress on rare diseases has lagged over the past 12 years. In an emotional and inspiring moment, he shared the recent loss of his 13-year-old son, Shaurya, to Hunter Syndrome.

Yet, Mr. Singh’s resolve remains unshaken. He declared, “My fight will continue until medicines become affordable or free for every rare disease patient in this country. My work will be my eternal tribute to Shaurya.” His courage resonated deeply with attendees and symbolized the collective hope and determination of countless families across India.

Ex-Serviceman HAV. D.K. Chansolia also shared his experience navigating the Defence healthcare system to procure life-saving drugs for his son. He spoke about procedural delays and the shortage of specialized experts, highlighting the need for systemic reforms.

The summit concluded with a united call to the Government and the Hon’ble Supreme Court to address these challenges urgently. Participants emphasized that timely intervention, policy support, and collaborative efforts are key to transforming the lives of rare disease patients across India.

The National Hunter Alliance Summit 2025 showcased resilience, solidarity, and the collective commitment of India’s rare disease community. It marked a significant step toward building a future where every patient has access to life-saving treatment, support, and dignity.