Five of family die in 10 days in Jharkhand’s Palamu, occultist’s advice under probe

Medininagar, June 29 (IANS) Shocking details have emerged after five members of a family died in ten days in Palamu, Jharkhand, following consumption of ash on the advice of an occultist.

According to the Health Department, instead of seeking proper medical treatment during illness, the family relied on faith healing. They were reportedly consuming ash on the advice of a local occult practitioner (ojha).

Doctors suspect this may have led to a steady deterioration in their condition. However, the exact cause of the deaths will be confirmed only after viscera and other samples are analysed.

The incident took place in Sikka village under Padwa block of the Palamu district. According to information, the head of the family, Kuldeep Mahto, died on June 19. His daughter died the next day. Thereafter, other family members continued treatment while also visiting Purnadih in Lesliganj for faith healing. During this period, they were allegedly consuming ash as well.

Subsequently, Kuldeep Mahto’s second daughter, Indu Kumari, died on June 26. His daughter-in-law Shweta Kumari died on June 28, followed by his son Nakul Mahto who died on June 29 during treatment at RIMS in Ranchi.

So far, five members of the family lost their lives within a span of ten days.

Three other family members — Kuldeep Mahto’s wife Lakho Devi, a son, and a grandson — are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS. Doctors have reported that all patients showed symptoms of swelling, after which their condition deteriorated rapidly.

Considering the seriousness of the case, a Health Department team has reached Sikka village and Purnadih to conduct an investigation. Samples of the ash reportedly consumed by the family have been collected. In addition, food items and other possible factors are also being examined.

Palamu Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Srivastava said, “The family had been repeatedly advised to seek hospital treatment, but they continued to rely on both medical care and faith healing. After learning about the consumption of ash, its samples have been sent for examination.”

The viscera of all the deceased have been preserved at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital and will be sent for forensic analysis. The exact cause of death will be established only after the investigation is complete.

Doctors also said that at a preliminary level, the possibility of dropsy cannot be ruled out. Hence, items used by the family, including mustard oil, are also being tested.

–IANS

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