Black Magic kills 3 and 70 took to ill after consuming snake venom

      Raipur, October 27, 2014: In yet another case of practicing black magic, at least three people were killed 70 affected after consuming snake venom added herbs in Baloda Bazar district of Chhattisgarh, police said today.

     “At least three villagers are killed and 70 are affected after they consumed snake venom added herbs after a cult ritual in Baloda Bazar district,” Inspector General of Police Gurjinder Pal Singh said here.

      “The villagers consumed some herbs offered by a witch doctor, who claimed the herbs have power to withstand scorpion and snake bites,” Singh said.

     Since it was added with snake venom, many taken ill after consuming the herbs, he said.

       Meanwhile Baloda Bazar District Superintendent of Police Abhishek Sandilya also said from the spot that the old and the weak are the first victims of the “poisonous medicine”.

      Giving details the district Police Chief said, about 150 residents of three villages in Baloda Bazar district, namely Parsapali, Boda and Surguli, were gathered on late yesterday night.

     “A witch doctor performed some cult warships at Boda and then offered some herbs as Prasad to the people saying the medicine would immune them from scorpion or snake bites,” said Sandilya.

      “After consuming poisonous substances at least three villagers were killed and 70 taken ill, many of them are seriously,” he said.

     Meanwhile local police has registered a case against the witch doctor, who is absconding after that incident.

     “A case of causing death by negligence under section 304-A of Indian Penal Code has been registered against the witch doctor. But no villagers have come forward and lodged any police complaint on the issue,” the SP added.

     Such practices of visiting witch doctors for snake bites or others are a common scene in many parts of India and especially among the tribals.

      Tribals offer birds like chicken, rice and other materials to the witch doctor to get his blessing or to request him to rescue them from a difficult situation. Because of the blind faith and illiteracy, the villagers are often cheated and got killed also due to lack of or improper medicines.