RAUTAHAT, SEPTEMBER 8

A 55-year-old woman in Garuda Municipality, Rautahat, was brutally assaulted and forced to consume human excreta after being accused of practicing witchcraft.

The victim, Susheela Devi Baniya, wife of Ramekbal Sah Baniya of Basbitty Jigadiya village, was attacked following the sudden death of her neighbor, 37-year-old Sangita Devi, on Sunday morning. Sangita's husband Dinesh Sah, along with his 22-year-old son Golu Sah Kanu and 35-year-old Vikram Sah Kanu, allegedly beat Susheela, shaved her head, and forced her to eat human waste.

According to police, Sangita Devi fell ill on Sunday and died while being rushed to Birgunj for treatment after initial care in Garuda's Roma Hospital failed. Her family accused Susheela of killing her through witchcraft.

Police said the attackers fled when a rescue team led by Inspector Gyanendra Dhakal reached the site around 3 p.m. Sunday. The victim was taken to Anamika Hospital in Garuda for treatment.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajan Karki confirmed that Susheela's family has filed a complaint against seven individuals. He said police have started legal proceedings to charge the perpetrators with inhumane treatment.

'This kind of torture in the name of witchcraft in the 21st century is an inhuman act. Those involved will be brought to justice,' DSP Karki said.