FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2013 file photo, Indian women shout slogans during a protest against the killing of social activist Narendra Dabholkar in Mumbai, India. Lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at debunking black magic and prosecuting religious charlatans in a western Indian state after the murder of rationalist activist Dabholkar who campaigned nearly two decades for the legislation. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade, File)
December 15, 2013 - 11:24 PM
NEW DELHI - Lawmakers in western India have passed a bill aimed at debunking black magic and prosecuting religious charlatans, after the killing of an activist who campaigned nearly two decades for the legislation.
Maharashtra is the first state to pass such a measure in multicultural and secular India, where witch doctors and Hindu holy men enjoy huge popularity and can amass millions in tributes from followers or fees for promised miracles and health cures.
The anti-superstition legislation allows police to investigate religious fraud, extremism and human sacrifice.
It was passed over the weekend following an 18-year debate and intense lobbying from Narendra Dabholkar, who was gunned down Aug. 20 after receiving death threats for encouraging villagers to embrace secular and scientific reason. Two people were arrested over the killing.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013