A 55-year-old woman died after she was allegedly beaten with a cane as part of a ritual believed to drive away evil spirits at Jambarghatta near Holehonnur in Bhadravati taluk on Monday.
Geetha, a resident of Jambarghatta, was allegedly beaten by Asha, who believed to practice exorcism. 45-year-old Asha assaulted Geetha for hours from 9.30 p.m on Sunday, and Geetha succumbed by 1.30 a.m on Monday. She is survived by three children.
Superintendent of Police G.K. Mithun Kumar told The Hindu that that the Holehonnur police registered the case.
“Believing that Geetha had been possessed by evil forces, her son took her to Asha, who was known for conducting the ritual. Asha beat her up for hours and ended up killing her. We have arrested Asha, her husband Santhosh, and Geetha’s son Sanju”, Mr. Kumar said.
He stressed the need for awareness among the public about conducting rituals in the name of warding off evil forces. “The incident is shocking. If there are any health issues, the people should consult doctors and not those who conduct these rituals,” he said.
