Elderly Traditional Healer Assaulted Over Treatment Dispute; Two Booked
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 25, 2026
An 80-year-old traditional healer was allegedly tied to an electric pole and assaulted at Kulai Bazar in Dhalai district following a dispute over the treatment of an ailing girl, police officials said on Wednesday.
A case has been registered against two persons in connection with the incident that took place on Tuesday, they said.
According to police, the victim, identified as Karim Ali, was allegedly lured to Kulai Bazar by the accused on the pretext of attending to another patient and was assaulted after reaching the spot.
Police said the case has been registered as Case No. 20/2026 under Sections 126, 115(2), 115(3) and 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused have been identified as Sanjit Debbarma (52), a resident of Bhat Khauri under Salema police station, and Ranjit Debbarma (73) of Paschim Nalichhara. Legal action has been initiated against both of them, officials said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that around a month ago, a teenage girl from Baghmara Halam Para in the Kulai area had fallen ill. Her family allegedly approached the traditional healer instead of seeking medical treatment and paid him around Rs 18,000 after he assured them of recovery.
However, when the girl’s condition reportedly did not improve over time, resentment grew among family members and others, leading to the alleged assault, police sources said.
The accused allegedly contacted the elderly healer from an unfamiliar phone number and asked him to come to Kulai Bazar to treat another patient. On reaching the market, he was tied to an electric pole and beaten, the sources added.
After receiving information, personnel from Ambassa police station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
The investigation has been entrusted to Sub-Inspector Jims Malsom, officials said.
The incident has highlighted concerns over the persistence of superstition and reliance on unverified treatment practices in some rural areas, which occasionally lead to disputes and law-and-order issues.
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