A pregnant woman’s tragic death has brought attention to the dangers of traditional exorcism practices in the Malkani Sharif area of Badin district. On Monday evening, 30-year-old Sangeeta Kohli, who had been expecting her first child after six years of marriage, was reportedly beaten for five days by two exorcists who claimed she was possessed by a jinn. The exorcists, Bachu Kohli and Harsan Kohli, detained Sangeeta in Khuda Bux Hisbani village, where they subjected her to violent rituals intended to rid her of evil forces, including jinn and witches.
Residents of the village disclosed that the exorcists performed severe beatings on Sangeeta every night, convinced that these actions would expel the supposed demons. The victim’s parents, however, have strongly disputed these claims, accusing Sangeeta’s in-laws of handing her over to the exorcists based on unfounded beliefs. Warshiyam Kohli, Sangeeta’s father, said his daughter had never been possessed and was perfectly healthy. He believes his daughter’s death was the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by her husband and father-in-law.
Sangeeta’s brother, Ashok, revealed that the exorcists continued to beat his sister even after she had died. “When the police arrived, both Bachu and Harsan were sitting by Sangeeta’s body,” Ashok said. He also stated that the exorcists used various methods of violence, including tying a shoe to Sangeeta’s nose as part of their supposed exorcism procedure. Despite her screams of pain, which locals confirmed could be heard each night, the exorcists dismissed them as cries from jinn.
The body was later shifted to Taluka Hospital Tando Bago, where Dr. Nousheen Memon performed an autopsy. Dr. Memon’s preliminary report confirmed that Sangeeta’s body bore numerous marks of violence, indicating prolonged abuse.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Paras Memon, who responded to the scene, confirmed that the exorcists were arrested and are being interrogated. Authorities are also searching for two additional suspects who fled before police arrived.
This tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, raising serious concerns about the prevalence of exorcism practices in the region. Local communities and human rights groups are now calling for increased awareness and regulation of these harmful traditions. The incident has become a focal point for discussions about superstitions and the dangers of unregulated spiritual practices in rural areas.