Kantabanjhi, July 19: A sorcerer was arrested for allegedly piercing 23 needles in the skull of a 19-year-old girl for treating her illness, Balangir police said on Friday.
The victim, Reshma Behera, has been admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital at Balangir in a critical condition and eight needles were removed by Thursady, according to her family sources.
According to reports, Reshma, daughter of Bishnu Behera, a resident of Ichhagaon under Sindhikela police limits, used to fall sick frequently around four years ago despite medical treatment. Losing all hope her family sought help of the sorcerer, Tejraj Rana, in 2021.
Tejraj injected several needles in the head of Reshma to get her rid of evil spirits when she was unconscious
The incident came to light after her family members filed a police complaint. The family members told the police that Tejraj took Reshma into a room for treatment where he injected the needles without informing them.
They came to know about the incident after the girl complained of pain recently and lodged a complaint at Kantabanji police station. The victim was admitted to the medical college for treatment where a scan of the skull revealed the presence of 23 needles.
Balangir CDMO Pradip Kumar Guru said Reshma is in stable condition and being provided necessary treatment.
Kantabanji police station IIC Rashmita Behera said police arrested the sorcerer immediately after receiving the complaint and was sent to jail after his bail plea got rejected by a local court. Further investigation into the complaint is underway, she added.
