Dahod police probe attempt by exorcist to revive dead woman

VADODARA: The Dahod police has begun investigations into the incident of a ‘bhuva’ or exorcist entering the autopsy room in the Dahod civil hospital and performing rituals to revive a dead woman. The woman had been killed due to snakebite.
A tribal lady Janiben Baberia was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state after being bitten by a snake early on Monday morning.She was declared as brought dead by hospital doctors and the body was kept in the autopsy room.
The relatives called the ‘bhuva’ asking her to revive deceased Baberia. The incident was, however, caught on camera and was circulated widely. Dahod superintendent of police Mayanksinh Chawda said that the police too had learnt about the incident following which a station dairy entry was made and investigations were started.
“There are several provisions under the law, like those for black magic, cheating, hurting religious sentiments and others. We are still examining the case and will take action based on the investigations,” said Chawda.
Black magic for treatment and other purposes are common in the tribal belt of the state. ‘Bhuvas’ or ‘badvas’ are often approached by the tribal population even when health facilities are available in the area.