Chhendipada: In a bizarre incident, family members of a woman, who had died of snakebite, placed two mobile phones on both her ears while a sorcerer recited mantras from the other side, believing that she would get back to life after hearing the mantras of the traditional healer.
This incident took place at Chhendipada community health centre (CHC) under this police limits in Angul district Saturday.
According to reports, Rinky Barik, wife of Tukuna Barik from Bagadia Mausi Sahi, was bitten by a snake while she had gone to relieve herself late Saturday night.
First, family members took her to a traditional healer in the village. However, when her condition worsened, Rinky was admitted to the Chendipada community health centre. However, the doctors declared her brought dead upon arrival.
However, the family members under stress were not willing to trust the doctors. They called a sorcerer to the CHC who uttered some mantras to get her back to life.
When his attempt failed, family members called another traditional healer who asked them to place two mobile phones on the deceased’s ears as he recites mantras from the other side. Acting on the direction of the healer, the family members were seen holding two mobile phones near the deceased’s ears believing that she would get back to life after hearing the mantras.
The bizarre incident spread resentment among other patients. Later, after failed attempt, family members took the body for last rites, it was learnt.
A few weeks ago, such a practice was performed on a dead woman constable here, locals said.
The local residents said the administration should take steps to create awareness among the people to avoid such incidents.
The CHC officer Dr Pradeep Kumar Dhar said the family members had been told not to perform any traditional healing methods on the patient. But they didn’t listen. All these things are happening because of the lack of awareness, he added.
