A 35-year-old woman’s desperate wish for motherhood ended in a horrific death during a supposed occult healing session in Pahalwanpur village, Azamgarh. The woman, Anuradha Yadav, reportedly died after being physically abused during a ritual carried out by a self-proclaimed tantrik.

The incident unfolded on Sunday evening under the jurisdiction of Kandharapur police station. According to officials, Anuradha had been married for over a decade but was unable to conceive. Hoping to find a solution, she, along with her mother, visited a local tantrik known as Chandu—who had built a reputation for helping childless women.

Anuradha had returned to her parents’ house a month earlier. Her family was reportedly introduced to Chandu by locals, who described him as someone with supernatural powers. Claiming he could solve her infertility issues, Chandu allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh for the treatment, of which Rs 22,000 was paid in advance.

Anuradha’s mother, who witnessed the events, alleged in her police complaint that the ritual turned violent. Chandu, his wife Shabnam, and two other men allegedly pulled Anuradha by the hair, covered her mouth and neck forcefully, and made her swallow contaminated water taken from a toilet and a drain.

When the woman resisted, Chandu reportedly said: “Bade saaye hain, aise nahi jaayenge” (It’s a strong spirit, it won’t leave so easily).

As her condition worsened, the group rushed her to the district hospital. Medical staff declared her dead on arrival at around 9 PM. Instead of informing the authorities, the tantrik and his team allegedly fled the hospital, leaving the woman’s body behind.

News of the death spread quickly through the village, sparking outrage among residents. Locals and relatives gathered at Chandu’s home, demanding his immediate arrest. Police forces were deployed to manage the situation and prevent any clashes.

Superintendent of Police (City) Madhuban Kumar Singh said, “In Pahalwanpur village, Anuradha, daughter of Baliram Yadav, died during an alleged black magic ritual. Her father accused Chandu and three others of strangling her under the pretext of exorcism. A case has been registered based on the complaint, and an investigation is underway.”

The police have sent the body for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. While Chandu surrendered to police on Monday, his wife and the other two accused are on the run. Authorities have launched a manhunt to track them down.

Anuradha, the eldest among three siblings, was under social pressure due to her inability to have children. Her death has once again highlighted the dangers of blind belief in supernatural practices, especially in rural India where traditional superstitions often replace medical guidance.

Police are continuing their probe and have assured the victim’s family that justice will be delivered swiftly.