Jharkhand Tragedy: Five of Family Die in Palamu After Consuming Occultist’s Ash

Medininagar (IANS): Five members of a family died within ten days in Palamu. Health officials suspect the fatalities may be linked to the consumption of “sacred ash” prescribed by a local occultist (ojha) instead of timely medical care.

The tragedy occurred in Sikka village under the Padwa block. The family’s patriarch, Kuldeep Mahto, passed away on June 19, 2026. His daughter died the following day. Rather than relying solely on hospital care, the surviving family members simultaneously sought faith healing in Purnadih, Lesliganj, where they were reportedly instructed to consume the ash.

Subsequently, Mahto’s second daughter, Indu Kumari, died on June 26, followed by his daughter-in-law Shweta Kumari on June 28. His son, Nakul Mahto, became the fifth casualty when he passed away on Monday, June 29, while undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.

Three other family members—Mahto’s wife Lakho Devi, a son, and a grandson—are currently battling for their lives at RIMS. Treating physicians noted that all the victims exhibited rapid, severe bodily swelling before their conditions deteriorated.

“The family had been repeatedly advised to seek hospital treatment, but they continued to rely on a mix of medical care and faith healing. After learning about the consumption of ash, we have sent samples for examination,” said Palamu Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava.

Medical investigators are also evaluating preliminary symptoms to see if the deaths are a result of epidemic dropsy. Consequently, authorities have seized domestic cooking staples, including mustard oil, along with the occultist’s ash for forensic testing. The viscera of the deceased have been preserved at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital to determine the exact cause of death.