Kollam: A man has been booked for allegedly pouring hot fish curry on his wife’s face following a dispute over performing black magic in Kerala’s Kollam district, police said on Thursday.
The victim, Rejila Gafoor (36), a resident of Vaikkal near Chadayamangalam, has been admitted to hospital with burn injuries, while her husband Sajeer is currently absconding, officials added.
According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Sajeer allegedly asked Rejila to loosen her hair, sit before him, and allow him to apply ashes and tie a locket given by a black magic practitioner. When she refused, he reportedly poured hot fish curry on her face while it was being cooked in their rented home’s kitchen.
Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the spot and took her to the hospital. Police said Sajeer believed his wife was possessed and had assaulted her multiple times in the past. Rejila had earlier approached the police after being attacked, but Sajeer was only warned at that time.
Officials said he later began consulting black magic practitioners. Rejila told a local TV channel that her husband frequently visited a Usthad in Anchal who performed black magic and advised him to apply ashes and tie a locket on her. She also alleged that he often attacked their young son.
Police have registered a case under Section 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing hurt using dangerous means. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.
With PTI inputs