Assam police arrested 18 people, including four women, in Karbi Anglong district for allegedly killing a couple suspected of practising witchcraft. Akhilesh Kumar Singh, IGP (Law & Order) of Assam Police, said, "We can’t tolerate this type of heinous crime. After collecting evidence, we have arrested 18 people so far." On December 30, police received information about the killing of Gardi Beruwa, 46, and his wife Mira Beruwa at Village 1 No. Beloguri Munda Gaon. Their house was vandalised and set on fire, where their bodies were burnt to ashes. Police seized soil mixed with blood and other items suspected to clean bloodstains. A suo-motu case was registered under the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Singh also referenced a recent case in Sivasagar where 23 people received life imprisonment for witch-hunting crimes, adding, "Justice will be given here also."