Mon Dec 02 16:25:29 UTC 2024: **Six Arrested for Brutal Assault on Woman Accused of Witchcraft in Rajasthan**
Bundi, Rajasthan (November 30, 2024) – Six individuals, including four women and a faith healer (“bhopa”), have been arrested in Bundi district for the brutal assault of a woman accused of witchcraft. The arrests follow the viral circulation of a video on social media depicting the horrific attack, in which the victim was branded with a hot iron rod.
The incident occurred on November 24th. The victim, a resident of Hanuman Nagar in Shahpura, had sought treatment at a local shrine near Khashahali Ka Jhopad village for stomach pain and alleged possession. Instead of receiving help, she was subjected to torture, including branding with a heated iron spear and having her hair cut and spun.
The arrested individuals are Mohni Bai, Tona Bai, Tarachand, Gori Bai, Sonabai, and the faith healer Babulal. Following the incident, police, including SP Rajendra Kumar Meena and Additional SP Uma Sharma, investigated the scene and assured the victim’s family of appropriate action. The victim, initially treated at a hospital in Devli, Tonk district, has been transferred to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for further medical care.
Bundi MLA Harimohan Sharma criticized the police response, noting that although the family reported the crime on November 27th, an FIR was only filed on November 29th after media attention to the case. He condemned the brutal attack and questioned the delay in police action. The police are continuing their investigation.
First Piper 