Pregnant woman dies after occult healing in Bhadrachalam
Bhadrachalam: A six-month pregnant tribal woman from Chhattisgarh died while undergoing treatment at the Bhadrachalam Area Hospital after an alleged occult healing ritual left her in critical condition.
Neck bite during ritual leaves woman unconscious
Kurasam Henki, 35, a resident of Maraiguda village in Konta tehsil of Sukma district, had developed swelling on her neck and face. Her family took her on Tuesday to a man who claimed to be an occult healer. Among local tribal communities, such practitioners are known as Vejji, Buggi Vadde or Vadde.
The healer allegedly bit her neck with force, claiming it would reduce the swelling. Henki lost consciousness after the incident. She was first taken to a Rural Medical Practitioner (RMP), who referred her to the Government Hospital in Bhadrachalam.
Condition worsens despite intensive care
Doctors said Henki was in a critical condition when she arrived at the hospital. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and placed on ventilatory support through intubation.
Doctors said on Wednesday that her condition had shown signs of improvement. However, her health deteriorated after midnight on Thursday, and she died during treatment.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of superstition and unscientific treatment. Henki’s unborn child also died with her.
