As many as 34 cases of superstition-based violence were recorded across the country in the last four months, according to a study conducted by the Society for Humanism (Soch) Nepal. 

Seven cases related to “witchcraft”, six related to Haliya, five related to shamanism and four cases each of dowry and child marriage reported in various daily newspapers were reviewed and substantiated by the organisation before making its findings public. 

The study also found that two cases violence against widows, one each of Chhaupadi, Bali and Kumari practice and three cases of untouchability occurred during the period. The incidents took place in Dang, Khotang, Dolakha, Palpa, Parbat, Mahottari and Banke among other districts. 

The study was conducted between September and December last year, the organisation said. Cases of superstition-based violence are on the rise due to lack of awareness, concludes the study.