Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 11: A 15-year-old girl died today and five others, including three family members, fell sick after an occultist, who had come there to exorcise “evil”, due to toxic “datura” poisoning in south Kashmir’s Awantipora area in Pulwama district.
Rohi Jan, her father, mother, brother, and the occultist and his assistant, were lying unconscious in the house in Bohu village of Awanitpora area, police said.
They were rushed to a hospital where Jan was declared “brought dead”, police said. The occultist, Nazir Ahmad Khan of Zechbal Laam in Tral, had come to the house of Mohammad Subhan Sheikh last night to exorcise “evil” from
his son Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh during the night.
However in the morning they were found unconscious by their neighbours.
Superintendent of Police, Awantipora, Abdul Wahid, said they suspect it is the case of food poisoning.
“We have started inquest proceedings under Section 174 of RPC. We will question family member once they will be stable and ascertain the medical reports as well,” Wahid said.
The sick have been referred to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar where their condition is said to be stable.
Deputy Medical Superintendent SMHS, Dr. Kamaljit Singh told Excelsior initial samples taken from the patients confirmed they have fallen sick due to “datura” poisoning which was mixed with tea.
“The patients, including the peer himself, are stable now. Their blood samples indicated they have fallen sick due to datura poisoning, which is a herbal plant,” he said.
Datura is the Sanskrit name of thorn apple which is toxic and “can cause death,” Dr. Singh added.
Those admitted included Muhammad Subhan Shiek, 55, his wife Hasina Bano, 45, their son Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh, 15, the ‘godman’ Nazir Ahmad Khan, 45, and his assistant Fayaz Ahamd Mir, 45, of Tral.
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