HC seeks report on torture of old woman

Shimla, November 18

The high court today directed the state government to file fresh status report on the issue of torture of an old lady of Samahal village of Sarkaghat in Mandi district on the suspicion of her being a sorceress.

During the course of hearing, it was brought to the notice of the court that an FIR was registered in the matter at police station Sarkaghat, Mandi on November 9. Taking note of the seriousness of the offence, investigation has been entrusted with immediate effect to a Special Investigation Team.

It was further informed that all accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody and the SP, Mandi, is supervising the investigation.

After hearing the matter, the court directed the state authorities to file a fresh report within six weeks informing the further action taken. The court posted the matter for further hearing in the first week of January.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua passed this order on a petition taken up suo moto by the court as PIL on the basis of news items published in various newspapers highlighting this issue.

It was reported in the media that an 80-year-old woman, mistaken as a sorceress, was thrashed and paraded through Samahal village in Sarkaghat with blackened face and shoes garland by religious fanatics. It was also reported that she was threatened to face the wrath of local deity, in case she approached the police to make a complaint. — OC