Braid cutting unnerves Mewat villages

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, July 27

Fear has gripped Mewat as instances of braids of women being chopped off are being reported from a number of villages. While local residents have put the blame on ghosts, the harried administration and police are clueless.

At least 15 such instances have been reported from a number of Mewat villages, the latest being that of Aseena of Malhaka village. According to her, she was sitting with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law in the courtyard when there was a blackout.

“We were talking about these instances when I suddenly I felt giddy and then blacked out. When I regained consciousness after some time, my husband showed me my braid. I was told that it fell off when I hit the floor. I am feeling scared as I may be under the spell of a ghost or spirit,” she said.

The plight of Manisa of Punahana was the same. Her braid was cut two days ago when she went to the jungle to get grass for cattle. She continued to be in a state of shock.

“She and my mother had gone to the jungle to get fodder. She says she saw a burqa-clad person for a few moments and lost consciousness. My mother sprinkled water on her face. When she got up, her braid was lying on the ground,” said her brother-in-law Aas Mohammad.

“She did not speak for some time. We rushed her to the community health centre in Peenangwa. She did not suffer from any physical ailment. She was fine after consulting the maulvi, but was a bit disturbed,” he said.

Similar instances had been reported from Dallawas, Jharpuri, Malhaka Sakras, Hamka, Padhen, Shikarpur and Mohammadpur Aheer.

“There is nothing like a ghost. Some mischievous gang or group is trying to create panic. The police and administration have stepped up vigil and security. We have urged people not to spread rumours or exaggerate. We will solve the cases soon,” said DC Mani Ram Sharma.

While the police and administration suspected it to be the handiwork of some gang, villages were fearing ghosts. The panchayats of affected villages had asked women to tie their hair in buns and not braids. Women had now been going in large groups to get water and fodder.

“I have met the DC. There is fear and it may spread superstitions. Local panchayats are taking the matter seriously,” said Aftab Ahmed, Congress leader. Attempts to contact the Mewat SHO were futile. A police official said no FIR had been registered in a majority of cases.