TANTRIK RITUAL IN MP HOSPITAL LEAVES TRAIL OF RED FACES

SAGAR: Photographs and video clips of a tantrik performing a religious ritual on a pregnant woman at the Bundelkhand Medical College in Sagar district have gone viral on social media, embarrassing state health officials.

The video shows the exorcist reciting mantras amid chaotic scenes, and even slapping the woman — who is eight months into her pregnancy — to rid her body of evil spirits. The ceremony reportedly took place on Saturday.

Bhanu Chadar, a resident of Raksi village, had admitted his 26-year-old wife Archana to the medical institution eight days ago. Her condition worsened on Friday night. Bhanu finally decided to call a tantrik from Nimon Padwar, a nearby village.

The exorcist reached the hospital premises on Saturday afternoon, following which Archana was brought out into the hospital corridor. Over the next hour, the woman was allegedly subjected to immense psychological torment and slapped multiple times despite being in a fragile state.

According to sources, nobody from the hospital administration attempted to interrupt the ritual. The woman was then taken back into the maternity ward. When asked to comment, Bhanu said Archana had given birth to stillborns on two earlier occasions. Afraid that she would suffer the same fate, he called the tantrik. But college dean Dr JN Soni denied any such occurrence on its premises. “Nosuchthinghappened.However, I have ordered an inquiry and the CCTV footage will be investigated. Appropriate action will be taken after the probe,” he said.