Pakistan

‘Fake peer’ injures child during exorcism

According to victim’s father Shaukat was a retired policeman and had moved into the neighbourhood

Our Correspondent March 29, 2017

According to victim’s father Shaukat was a retired policeman and had moved into the neighbourhood. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Police have booked a fake ‘peer’ who allegedly tortured and injured a child during an exorcism ritual in Bhara Kahu.

Police arrested Shaukat on Monday.

The victim’s father told The Express Tribune that Shaukat was a retired policeman and had recently moved into the neighbourhood.

Claiming to be a ‘peer’ (mystic), Shaukat told the child’s family on Sunday that their child had been possessed by evil spirits but he could make them leave.

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He took the child to a separate room and started beating him. Hearing the child’s screams, his father ran into the room and rescued him.

Shaukat, meanwhile, fled.

The boy’s father lodged a complaint with the police, following which the suspect was arrested on Monday. He was produced before a judicial magistrate and sent on judicial remand on Tuesday.

Earlier, Noon police had arrested two ‘fake peers’ a few days ago who had tricked a man out of Rs8,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2017.