Shivamogga SP G.K. Mithun Kumar visited Jambaragatte for an inspection. Police revealed this isn’t an isolated incident—at least three other villagers have previously claimed possession by deity Chowdamma
Published Jul 09, 2025 | 5:51 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 5:51 PM
Shivamogga woman beaten to death during ‘exorcism' ritual; three arrested Represenatational Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: In a horrifying case of ritual violence, 45-year-old Geethamma was beaten to death during an alleged exorcism in Jambaragatte village, Shivamogga. A woman claiming to be possessed by the deity Chowdeshwari assaulted her for nearly four hours. The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, has sparked widespread outrage and led to multiple arrests by the Holehonnur police
In a chilling case of blind faith and violence, a 45-year-old woman was beaten to death in the name of exorcism in Jambaragatte village near Holehonnur, Shivamogga district. The incident occurred late Sunday night and has triggered widespread outrage across the region.
The victim, Geethamma, was subjected to nearly four hours of brutal assault by a woman claiming to be possessed by the village deity, Chowdeshwari.
The accused, identified as Asha (35), her husband Santosh Kumar (37), and Geethamma’s son Sanjay (20), have been arrested by Holehonnur police.
According to police, Asha had been claiming for over two weeks that the deity had possessed her. Believing this, Sanjay took his mother to Asha’s house around 9:15 PM on Sunday, hoping to “cure” her of what he thought was a possession. What followed was a horrifying series of assaults disguised as ritual.
“Asha performed a small pooja and then took us to a tree outside the village. She started beating my mother with a tree branch, saying she was driving out the spirit. Then she poured cold canal water on her. My mother started shivering and eventually collapsed,” Sanjay reportedly told police.
Despite Geethamma’s deteriorating condition, Asha allegedly insisted the spirit had left and sent her home. Later that night, Geethamma was rushed to the Holehonnur community hospital, where doctors declared her dead.
Initially, village elders convened a panchayat and attempted to resolve the matter informally, asking Asha to pay ₹50,000 in compensation to the victim’s family.
However, the family rejected the settlement on Monday evening and filed a police complaint.
Shivamogga Superintendent of Police G.K. Mithun Kumar visited the village and conducted an inspection. Police sources say this is not an isolated case — at least three others in Jambaragatte reportedly claim to be “possessed” by the deity Chowdamma from time to time.
The case has reignited concerns about superstitious practices and the urgent need for awareness on human rights and legal protections. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC, and further investigation is underway.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
