Welcome to Witch Hunt, the investigative podcast exploring modern-day witch hunting in India. In this eye-opening episode, we investigate a critical human rights crisis: the systematic persecution of women through witchcraft accusations. The statistics are haunting: over 2,000 documented witch-hunting murders between 2000-2012—with countless more cases hidden in rural communities. To analyze this intersection of women's rights, criminal justice, and cultural practices, we're joined by leading experts: Rashika Bajaj, a human rights advocate at Jharkhand High Court, and Jaya Verma, an assistant professor specializing in gender law at Jindal Global University. Human rights researcher Dr. Amit Anand provides essential insights on how traditional beliefs and economic inequality fuel these violent practices. Together, we'll examine urgent policy reforms, legal protection measures, and grassroots solutions needed to combat witch-hunting violence. This powerful episode serves as both an exposé and a call to action—through awareness and advocacy, we can challenge harmful practices and protect vulnerable women. Join our investigation into one of India's most pressing yet under-reported human rights issues. You're listening to Witch Hunt.

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Maryland Witches Exoneration Project

Witch Hunt Website

United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 47/8. Elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks

Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Nigeria

The International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices

International Alliance to End Witch Hunts

IK Ero On Next Steps For Ending Witch Hunts

Sierra Leone Association for Persons With Albinism

Modern Halloween emerges from diverse cultural and religious traditions, each contributing distinct elements to today's celebrations. From the Celtic festival of Samhain to the Roman Catholic Hallowtide, this episode uncovers the historical threads that connect ancient celebrations to contemporary practices.

We examine the influences of Roman festivals like Pomonalia and Lemuria, investigate the connections to England's Guy Fawkes Night, and explore parallels with Mexico's Día de los Muertos. Our discussion reveals how these varied traditions merged to create today's Halloween, with special attention to Salem's emergence as America's Halloween capital.

Featuring insights from past guests, this episode offers a scholarly look at Halloween's evolution while exploring its connections to witch hunts, folklore, and enduring cultural practices.

Buy Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, by Nicholas Rogers

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Witch Hunt Episode: Halloween History and Traditions with Scott Culpepper

Witch Hunt Episode: Ain't it a Scary Halloween with Sean and Carrie

Witch Hunt Episode: Rachel Christ-Doane on the Salem Witch Museum and the Life of Dorothy Good

Witch Hunt Episode: Scottish Witch Trials with Mary W. Craig

Witch Hunt Episode: Marion Gibson on Witchcraft a History in 13 Trials

Witch Hunt Episode: Malcolm Gaskill on the Ruin of All Witches

End Witch Hunts

Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project

Massachusetts Witch-Hunt Justice Project

Maryland Witches Exoneration Project

Witch Hunt Website