In a horrifying case of blind belief leading to fatal violence, Shivamogga Police arrested three individuals—including the victim’s own son—for brutally beating a 55-year-old woman to death under the guise of exorcising an evil spirit.
The incident took place in Jambraghatta village, Holehonur Police Station limits. The deceased, Geethamma, was assaulted for nearly four hours by Asha (45), her husband Santosh, and Geethamma’s son Sanjay. Despite Geethamma’s desperate pleas for water, the accused withheld it, eventually beating her unconscious, leading to her death shortly after.
Shivamogga SP Mithun Kumar revealed that the police took suo motu cognizance after a distressing video of the assault went viral. Family members said Geethamma was suffering from diabetes, BP, and thyroid issues, but villagers superstitiously believed she was possessed.
Influenced by these claims, her son Sanjay brought Asha, said to possess divine powers, and her husband to perform the ‘exorcism.’ Relatives expressed shock and grief at the brutal killing, with Geethamma’s sister demanding that Asha never be released and the family pleading for justice.
