Bengaluru, July 8 : In a shocking incident from Karnataka, a woman was beaten to death by a self-proclaimed exorcist while her son watched, believing she was possessed by an evil spirit. The brutal assault began around 9:30 pm and continued until 1:00 am, leaving the woman fatally injured. The act, reportedly recorded on camera, has caused outrage across the state.

According to police, the incident took place in a village near Channarayapatna in Hassan district. The victim, a 60-year-old woman, was taken by her son to a local man who claimed to have powers to remove evil spirits. The son, convinced that his mother was under some supernatural influence, thought the ritual would help her.

Instead, what followed was a gruesome act of violence. The exorcist began chanting and beating the woman repeatedly with sticks and other objects. The beating continued for hours, as the son and a few others looked on, believing the process was part of a healing ritual.

Local residents reported hearing screams late at night but thought a private religious event was taking place. It wasn't until early morning that the woman was found unconscious. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. The post-mortem report later confirmed multiple blunt force injuries, clearly pointing to a violent assault.

The son was arrested and has reportedly confessed to police, saying he believed the exorcist would help cure his mother. He claimed he did not realize the situation would turn deadly. Police, however, say he stayed through the incident and made no effort to stop the beating, making him an active participant. He has been charged under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), along with other relevant sections of the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices Act.

The exorcist, who fled after the woman died, is currently on the run. Police teams are searching for him and have promised swift action.

Senior police officials have condemned the incident and warned the public against trusting such dangerous practices. “This is a tragic example of blind faith turning deadly. We urge citizens to seek medical or psychological help instead of turning to superstition,” said a police spokesperson.

Social workers and activists have also spoken out, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns and better enforcement of laws that ban black magic and harmful rituals. They say elderly women, in particular, are often the targets of such violence in the name of witchcraft or possession.

The incident has left the local community in shock. Villagers who knew the family say they never imagined such a thing could happen. “She was a quiet woman. We had no idea this would be her fate,” one neighbor said.

As the investigation continues, the case serves as a grim reminder that superstitions, when allowed to flourish unchecked, can lead to deadly consequences.