Ajmer: A 20-year-old woman was allegedly branded with a hot iron by villagers who accused her of practising witchcraft in Ajmer’s Mangliyawas village. Police arrested six people Tuesday after the victim’s family lodged a complaint, two days after the incident. The accused allegedly threatened the family with dire consequences if they approached police.According to police, the incident took place on July 4 when the woman’s father was working in the fields. Her mother alleged that a group comprising Kali, Sukhpal, Mahendra, Rekha, Seema, Ramati and Geeta arrived at their house, accused her daughter of being a witch responsible for illnesses and lack of prosperity in the village, and forcibly took her to a local temple.The complainant said the accused branded the woman’s legs with a red-hot iron while declaring that “the witch is burning”. The ordeal allegedly continued for nearly two hours as villagers watched without intervening. The victim suffered severe burn injuries, which left her unable to walk. Her father later took her home.The family alleged they initially refrained from filing a complaint due to threats from the accused. The victim’s mother approached Mangliyawas police station on July 6.ASI Hukum Singh said a case has been registered, and six accused were arrested for disturbing peace while the investigation continues. The victim underwent medical examination and treatment, with police confirming burn injuries on her legs. Preliminary investigation suggests she had been branded as inauspicious, prompting the alleged assault.
