Panic in Muktsar district as eight more lose braids

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 5

Fear gripped rural areas of the district as eight instances of braid-cutting were reported today. While the rural populace is blaming some “ghost or spirit”, the police and district administration are so far clueless.

In all, 10 such incidents have been reported in the district so far.

Nathu, a 45-year-old woman from Chauntra village, is among the latest victims. Her family alleged that when she woke up this morning, she was not in her senses and her braid was found chopped.

At Tarmala village, 17-year-old Sarbjit Kaur’s braid was allegedly cut during the day when she was sleeping in her house. Similarly, 22-year-old Harpreet Kaur of Bhitiwala village found her braid chopped this afternoon. She too was sleeping at the time when the alleged incident took place.

Another victim, Ramandeep Kaur (35) of Gidderbaha claimed that her braid was cut at midnight when she was sleeping along side her husband and the room was bolted from inside. Similarly, 18-year-old Sonam of Gidderbaha alleged that her braid was cut in the wee hours and she fainted after seeing a moving shadow.

Further, 63-year-old Karamjit Kaur from Bharu village claimed that she was walking on the road when she felt as if someone pushed her. “When I returned home, my family members found my hair chopped,” she said. A similar incident was reported in this village on Thursday. Besides, two women from Hargobind Nagar of Muktsar town alleged that someone tried to cut their braid.

Meanwhile, the residents have started practicing exorcism with the help of local godmen to ward off “evil spirits”.

A police officer said that it seemed to be a mischief being played by some persons. The Tarksheel Society has already announced a reward of Rs5 lakh to those who proved it to be an act of some ghost or spirit.

Another case in Sangrur 

Sangrur: A woman from Chandu village found her braid chopped off on Friday night. She informed her family. After receiving complaint, the Khanauri police have started investigation. On Friday night, Meena Rani (25) went to bathroom, but when she entered her room again, she saw a braid lying at the door of her room. When she checked her braid, it was missing. She informed her husband Satnam Singh and other family members, who informed their neighbours. “We have got the complaint and conducting investigation,” said Sukhchain Singh, SHO, Khanauri police station. TNS