Panel to check witchcraft

A committee has been constituted to formulate the modalities for keeping tabs on those who exploit people in the name of astrology and witchcraft.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the State-level Dharmika Parishat in Bangalore on Thursday. The committee comprising members of the Parishat and other experts will recommend measures the government needs to take to keep a check on those who exploit innocent people in the name of astrology and rituals.

“The committee will also recommend which type of rituals can be allowed and those to be banned. It will submit its report in four months,” Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojary told reporters after the meeting.

He said a government order banning indecent depiction of images of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially on dress materials and cracker packs, would be issued. “If required, we will bring in a legislation to curb such tendencies,” he said.

He said the Muzrai department plans to observe one day in a year as day of religious celebrations and the date would be finalised soon.