Karnataka woman assaulted during ‘exorcism’ ritual as son watches, dies

Asha allegedly performed a puja in front of Geethamma’s house, dragged her outside, and said she was possessed. She allegedly began beating Geethamma with a stick, claiming the spirit had not left her body. She then dragged Geethamma for approximately 2.5 km to the Chowdamma temple in Hale Jambraghatta, where the assault continued until 2.30 am, the police said.

The violence escalated when Asha struck Geethamma on the head with a large stone and poured cold water over her body, the police said. Geethamma eventually collapsed due to hypothermia and severe head injuries, the police added.

According to the police, Asha then declared that the spirit had been successfully removed and sent Geethamma back home, where her condition rapidly deteriorated. Geethamma was rushed to the Holehonnur community hospital, but doctors there pronounced her dead upon arrival.

Following a complaint filed by another one of Geethamma’s sons, the police registered a murder case at the Holehonnur police station. Sanjay, Asha, and Santosh were arrested on Monday.

Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar visited the crime scene to oversee the investigation.

Nagappa, a relative of Geethamma and Asha, told the media that he had advised Sanjay to take Geethamma to the doctor. “Geethamma was suffering from some mental illness and was shouting during the night for the last 15 days. Sanjay thought she was possessed by an evil spirit. Four days before the incident, I had suggested he take her to a doctor in Shivamogga, but he decided that Asha would bring her relief,” he claimed.