Self-Proclaimed Healer Arrested for Faith Healing Activities in Assam

Arrest of a Self-Declared Healer

Biswanath, Dec 20: Authorities in Gohpur have detained an individual claiming to be a healer, facing accusations of performing faith healing, engaging in evangelical practices, and disseminating related content on social media.

The individual has been named as Nuruddin Khan Paul, residing in Dejoo Samabay Kandorapathar, which falls under the jurisdiction of the North Lakhimpur Police Station in Lakhimpur district.

As per police reports, his actions have violated the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil Practices) Act, 2024, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, among other legal provisions.

A police spokesperson mentioned that the suspect had previously relocated to Arunachal Pradesh for employment, where he converted to Christianity and gained religious insights.

Originally from North Lakhimpur, he began visiting isolated rural communities, presenting himself as a healer and allegedly profiting from these activities.

The police noted that he typically conducted his sessions at night, visiting homes to administer substances that acted as pain relievers.

In instances of pain related to kidney stones, the temporary relief he provided led individuals to mistakenly believe he could cure more serious health issues.

Additionally, law enforcement has accused him of engaging in religious conversion efforts, traveling to various locations including Dimapur and Chhattisgarh.

He reportedly converted individuals to Christianity and married a woman from the Mising community, who also underwent conversion.

The accused is alleged to have conducted so-called magical healing through prayers invoking Christ, asserting that recovery was contingent on faith.

Ongoing investigations are in progress, and further legal measures will be pursued as per the law.

The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, introduced on February 21, 2024, during the Assam Assembly budget session, prohibits healing practices and the promotion of magical healing for treatment, along with advertisements claiming to cure ailments.

This legislation aims to combat "evil practices of magical healing" that jeopardize physical and mental well-being, outlawing participation in such activities or advertisements for remedies with misleading claims.