Karnataka: Woman Beaten to Death in 'Exorcism' by Son, Healers; Three Arrested

Shivamogga, July 8, 2025 : A deeply disturbing incident of superstition-driven violence has shocked Karnataka’s Shivamogga district, where a 55-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death during a so-called exorcism ritual conducted by her son and two self-styled healers. The gruesome act, captured on video, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the deadly grip of blind beliefs in rural India.

The victim, identified as Geetamma, reportedly became the target of a brutal “spirit-cleansing ritual” on the night of July 6. According to local sources, her son, Sanjay, believed she was possessed by an evil spirit. Instead of seeking medical or psychiatric help, Sanjay invited a couple—Asha and her husband Santosh—who claimed to possess powers to expel spirits through rituals.

The so-called exorcism began around 9:30 pm and continued for nearly four hours until 1:00 am. During this time, Geetamma was subjected to repeated physical assault in the name of religious cleansing. She succumbed to her injuries on the spot.

Video footage that has since gone viral reveals shocking scenes of cruelty. Geetamma, in a semi-conscious and visibly weakened state, is seen seated while Asha rotates a lemon around her head, making her smell it. What begins as a symbolic ritual soon turns violent—Asha slaps, hits, and strikes the elderly woman with a stick. She is also seen pulling Geetamma’s hair as the latter tries in vain to shield herself.

Following the death, police registered a case of murder against Sanjay, Asha, and Santosh. All three have been arrested and are currently in custody. Authorities have also confirmed that the victim died due to the severe physical trauma inflicted during the incident.

Shivamogga SP condemned the act, stating, “This is a tragic example of how superstition can lead to unimaginable cruelty. We urge people to seek scientific and medical help rather than fall prey to such dangerous practices.”

The incident in Karnataka comes close on the heels of another horrific episode in Bihar’s Purnia district, where five members of a family were burned alive by a mob over suspicion of practising witchcraft. The attackers, around 50 in number, stormed into Sita Devi’s home, set it ablaze, and attempted to conceal the crime by hiding the bodies under water hyacinth.

Both incidents underline the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement of anti-superstition laws, and increased access to mental health care in rural regions.