Chhapra, Aug. 10: Former member of the state minority commission Bhante Buddha Prakash is of the opinion that until and unless superstitions are not uprooted, the country would not progress.

He was in town to inquire into the alleged beating up of a woman after branding her a witch at Dighwara three days back.

Bhante, the national convener of Andhvishwas Bhagao, Desh Bachao (uproot superstition, save the country), said it was a crime to call someone a witch. “Superstitions have been reigning in the country for centuries and it can only be kept at bay by cultivating a scientific approach and developing consciousness. It is surprising that educated people are more superstitious than illiterate persons,” he said.

“I am not against any religion or belief but against superstition, which has to be eradicated,” he added.