Mayurbhanj: In a shocking act, a woman was branded with hot iron rods by a quack to ward off an evil spirit on her at Gadiapal village under Kaptipada police limits in Udala.
Though the incident occurred on March 14, it came to light recently after the woman was rescued from the clutches of the witch-doctor Chotray Murmu.
Police have detained Murmu and further investigation has started into the incident. Meanwhile, the woman has been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Sources said, the woman’s family had earlier sought Murmu’s assistance to heal their kid who was not keeping well for past few months.
The family had paid Rs 14,000 to Murmu in two installments and on March 14 he had asked them to come for a special ritual. However, Murmu allegedly branded the woman as ‘witch’ and later pushed her towards a pool of fire.
The woman’s hands, neck and other body parts were subsequently burnt in the incident.
It is also alleged that the woman and her child was also detained in a house by Murmu and were rescued by villagers.