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.

In every free delivery, in every waiver of fees, in every smile he offers to a nervous parent, Dr. Ganesh Rakh is planting seeds of hope.

In the Indian city of Pune, an inspiring story unfolds daily—one that reaffirms faith in humanity. It begins with the cries of newborns, but what follows transcends the moment of birth. It is a powerful testament to compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the dignity and future of the girl child.

A Father’s Fear, A Doctor’s Grace

One such story captures the heart of Dr. Ganesh Rakh’s mission. A daily wage worker admitted his wife to the hospital, anxiously awaiting the delivery of their child. When complications required a caesarean section, his heart sank. He did not know how much the fee would be. The thought of borrowing money or mortgaging his small home loomed large in his mind.

After the surgery, with trembling lips, he asked the doctor, “Doctor, what child is it?”

“You have been blessed with an angel, a baby girl,” replied Dr. Rakh.

“And the fee?” asked the father hesitantly.

The doctor smiled and said, “When angels are born, I don’t charge any fee.”

The man collapsed at his feet, whispering, “Sir, you are God.”

For Dr. Ganesh Rakh, such moments are not rare. For the last decade, he has chosen to waive every single paisa of his fee whenever a girl child is born in his hospital.

A Mission Born of Conviction

So far, Dr. Rakh has delivered more than 1,000 baby girls free of cost. His work is not about charity alone, it is a mission rooted in the fight against one of India’s deepest social prejudices: gender bias. In many parts of the country, the birth of a girl is still met with silence, disappointment, or even grief. Families worry about dowry, financial strain, and “carrying the burden” of raising a daughter.

Dr. Rakh wanted to change that narrative. “I always wanted to be a wrestler,” he admits. “But my mother said, ‘Become a doctor and protect these angel girls.’ And that is what I chose to do.”

Beyond the Delivery Room

His gesture is far more than waiving hospital charges. It is symbolic. It tells every parent who walks into his hospital that the life of their daughter is precious, celebrated, and free of stigma. In a society where female infanticide and neglect of girls still cast long shadows, his act of kindness is a loud and clear message: daughters are blessings, not burdens.

Dr. Rakh’s initiative has inspired other doctors and hospitals across India to rethink their own approach. By attaching dignity, pride, and celebration to the birth of a girl, he is slowly shifting social attitudes one delivery at a time.

The world has begun to notice his work. The BBC in London published a feature on him under the title “Unsung Indian”, calling him a rare figure who blends professional excellence with moral courage. His work has also been lauded by social reformers and women’s rights advocates across the globe.

A Blessing for the Future

In every free delivery, in every waiver of fees, in every smile he offers to a nervous parent, Dr. Ganesh Rakh is planting seeds of hope. He is protecting angels—India’s daughters—ensuring they enter this world with dignity and joy.

As the grateful father said that day in Pune, “Sir, you are divine.” To many, Dr. Rakh may not wear a halo, but his deeds shine brighter than one.