The Harm

Woman beaten up after charges of witchcraft

surat, April 07 An elderly woman of Dahen village in Olpad taluka was severely beaten up by a youth on Sunday for allegedly practicing witchcraft.

Assaulted with an axe, the woman sustained severe injuries on her limbs and head. She is now undergoing treatment at the New Civil Hospital in Surat, where her condition is reported to be stable.

On Sunday evening, Chiman Rathod, also a resident of Dahen, went to Hansha’s house and attacked her accusing her of practicing witchcraft. Chiman also told her that she was responsible for the death of his elder brother Mohan Rathod. After the assault, Chiman fled the village.

Kalawati shouted for help and called in the neighbours who immediately rushed Hansha to the hospital. They also informed the Olpad police which registered a case against Chiman and arrested him in the afternoon.

Sub-Inspector H M Suthar said: “We arrested the accused from his house. During interrogation, we learnt there was some old dispute between Hansha and Chiman, which resulted in the incident.”

He added that Chiman’s elder brother, Mohan died two months ago due to severe illness. Mohan’s family members, including Chiman, suspected that Hansha was involved in witchcraft.