A pregnant woman was beaten to death over five days during an exorcism in the Badin area of Sindh.

 

The incident occurred in Khuda Bakhsh, Hisbani village near Malkani Sharif town, and was reported on Monday. However, a case has yet to be registered against the accused.

 

The 30-year-old victim, Sangita Kolhi, was handed over to Bachu Kolhi and Harsan Kolhi, known locally as bhopas (witch-doctors), by her husband Haresh Kolhi’s family, who believed she was possessed by an evil spirit.

 

The two suspects carried out what they called the “prescribed procedure” for Sangita’s exorcism in a temple opposite her house. The media reports suggest the “procedure” involved torturous methods, including hair-pulling and beatings with fists and sticks, which continued for five days and nights.

 

According to the victim’s family, Sangita succumbed to the violence on Sunday night. The family members and neighbours rushed to the temple upon hearing her screams, but reportedly, the bhopas did not relent until the police were called. Police officers arrived at the scene and immediately arrested the suspects.

 

Sangita’s father, Vishram, her brother Ashok, and her mother told the police that she was in good health before being taken to the bhopas. They stated that when they came from Jhuddo to visit her, the bhopas refused to let them meet her, claiming it would disturb the exorcism. They were told they could see her in the morning.

 

Neighbours told the media they had been hearing Sangita’s screams for five consecutive night because of which they could not sleep. Believing she was possessed, they assumed the bhopas were trying to rid her of the spirit.

 

Sangita had been married for six years but had no children but was pregnant at the time of her death.

 

The victim’s body was sent for a post-mortem before being handed over to her family, who took it back to their village in Jhuddo.

 

Assistant Sub-Inspector Paras Ali Memon of Pangrio police station confirmed the suspects’ arrest. Another police official stated that a post-mortem was conducted, and the case will be registered once the family lodges an official complaint, which they have not yet done.