Shocking Incident in Jharkhand: Mother Sacrifices Daughter for Son's Health

A shocking incident in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, has revealed a mother who sacrificed her daughter to a sorceress in a desperate attempt to cure her ailing son. The case has led to arrests and widespread outrage, prompting the High Court to take notice. As investigations unfold, the community grapples with the horror of this act, which occurred during a festive celebration. The mother, along with the sorceress and an accomplice, has been apprehended, and their confessions have shed light on the gruesome details of the crime. This tragic event raises serious questions about societal beliefs and the lengths to which individuals may go in the name of superstition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 08:52 IST

A Disturbing Case from Hazaribagh

A deeply troubling incident has emerged from Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand, where a mother handed over her own daughter to a sorceress in a desperate attempt to cure her ailing son. The sorceress subsequently sacrificed the girl. Authorities have arrested the mother of the deceased, a female sorceress, and an accomplice in connection with this case.

The incident took place in Kusumbha village. Investigations revealed that this horrific act was part of a ritual involving human sacrifice aimed at healing a sick child. According to police reports, the accused, Reshmi Devi (35), was distressed over her younger son's physical and mental health issues. During this time, she came into contact with a local sorceress, Shanti Devi (55), who convinced her that sacrificing a virgin girl would restore her son's health. Driven by the desire to save her son, the mother plotted to kill her 13-year-old daughter.

Grim Events on the Night of Ashtami

This horrifying act occurred on March 24, coinciding with the Ashtami night of Navratri. While the village was immersed in celebrations for Ram Navami, the innocent girl was strangled at the home of the sorceress. Police investigations revealed that a man named Bhim Ram also assisted in this brutal act, which involved horrific violence against the child, whose body was later buried in a garden.

Attempts to Mislead Investigations

Initially, the accused attempted to mislead the police by framing the incident as a case of abduction. The mother fabricated a false story about her daughter's kidnapping. However, post-mortem and forensic reports disproved these claims. Hazaribagh's SP Anjani Anjan stated that after rigorous questioning, all three suspects confessed to their crimes.

High Court Takes Notice

This incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state. The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter based on media reports, issuing notices to the state administration and the DGP. In response to local outrage, the opposition party BJP organized a 12-hour shutdown in Hazaribagh on Monday.