A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an exorcist in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, after her mother took her to him for treatment of a long-running illness. Police have registered a case and are searching for the accused, identified as Parshuram Yadav.
The girl had reportedly been unwell for some time when her mother took her to her maternal grandparents' home in Banda district. Neighbours then allegedly told the mother about a man who claimed he could cure illnesses through exorcism.
Mother's complaint leads to case
The mother, believing the claims, took her daughter to the man's home for treatment. Police said Yadav took the girl away from her mother to a secluded location, where he allegedly raped her. The girl raised the alarm during the incident, prompting her mother to rush towards her.
Yadav allegedly fled from the scene when he saw the mother approaching. The traumatised girl subsequently told her mother what had happened, according to police.
Investigation and search underway
The mother and daughter then went to the police and lodged a complaint on Thursday night. Officers registered a case against Yadav alleging rape and offences under India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, known as the POCSO Act. The girl has also been sent for a medical examination as part of the investigation.
Police have launched a search for Yadav, who remained on the run after the alleged attack. CO Krishnakant Tripathi said two police teams were carrying out raids at suspected hideouts in an effort to locate and arrest him.
Concerns over vulnerable families
The case has raised fresh concerns about vulnerable families being targeted by people claiming to possess supernatural powers or the ability to cure illnesses through religious or occult practices. In this case, police said the girl's mother had been persuaded to seek Yadav's help after neighbours told her he could treat her illness through exorcism.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Yadav have not been tested in court. The shocking case was reported by the Times of India, which said the alleged attack took place in a village in Banda district on Thursday. The identity of the 13-year-old has not been disclosed, in keeping with protections for alleged victims of sexual offences. Police are now focused on tracking down Yadav and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
