New Delhi, March 14 -- Witch-hunting was once widespread in Europe and has also been reported in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. A major influence behind these beliefs was the 15th-century book Malleus Maleficarum, which portrayed witches as evil and described how to identify and punish them. Between 1500 and 1700, thousands were executed in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. Although the Enlightenment helped reduce these persecutions, witch-hunting still occurs in parts of the world today.

The pernicious practice remains prevalent in several South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Women who lack strong family support-especially elderly and socially and ec...