A disturbing incident highlighting the persistence of deep-rooted superstitions has emerged from Deoli village under the Baraoni police station limits in Rajasthan's Tonk district, where a 60-year-old elderly woman was brutally assaulted after being accused of practicing witchcraft. The victim, identified as Santosh Devi, sustained critical physical injuries in the violent attack and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital, where she remains under medical supervision. Following a three-day delay, the victim's son, Shankar Lal, formally lodged a written complaint with the local police, prompting law enforcement authorities to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Brutal Assault Driven by Witchcraft Allegations
According to statements provided by the victim's family, the violent event took place approximately three days prior to the formal reporting. A group of villagers allegedly targeted 60-year-old Santosh Devi, labeling her a witch under the influence of superstitious beliefs. The confrontation rapidly escalated as a crowd gathered at the location. An estimated group of 8 to 9 individuals, comprising both men and women, launched a coordinated physical assault on the elderly woman using wooden sticks (lathis). The attackers reportedly continued the beatings relentlessly until she suffered severe injuries and collapsed.
Involvement of Relatives and Allegations by the Victim's Family
One of the most alarming dimensions of the case is the alleged participation of the victim's own relatives in the mob violence. Family members of Santosh Devi explicitly stated that close family connections did not deter the perpetrators, who were consumed by superstitious beliefs. The relatives allegedly joined other local residents in targeting the elderly woman. Following the assault, Santosh Devi's health deteriorated significantly due to the extent of her injuries. Her distressed family rushed her to the hospital, where medical staff are currently administering necessary treatment and keeping her under observation.
Three-Day Delay in Submitting the Police Complaint
The matter officially reached law enforcement authorities roughly three days after the assault transpired. Shocked and distressed by the traumatic turn of events, the victim's family took time before approaching the police station. Eventually, her son Shankar Lal submitted a written statement to the Baraoni police officers, detailing the assault and demanding immediate legal accountability for all 8 to 9 individuals named in the violence. Police officers took note of the written submission and formally opened an investigation into the matter.
Current Status of Medical Treatment and Law Enforcement Probe
Following the receipt of the formal complaint, officers from the Baraoni police station commenced an active investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the crime. Authorities are working to identify all individuals who participated in the beating, verify the underlying triggers behind the witchcraft accusations, and determine the exact timeline of events during the mob attack. Law enforcement is also evaluating Santosh Devi's official medical reports to assess the gravity of her physical trauma. Police officials affirmed that stringent legal measures will follow once the preliminary evidence gathering and witness statements are concluded.
