Neurosurgeons at the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla, Odisha, removed 70 needles from a sorcery victim's skull on Saturday during a follow-up procedure.
Director Bhabagrahi Rath said, "So far, 77 needles have been retrieved from the girl’s head in two surgeries. Fortunately, the needles have not caused any bone injuries, but there are soft tissue injuries on her head."
Rath stated that the patient is under observation and will be examined for any other issues that may have led her to see the sorcerer.
He emphasized the necessity for a complete evaluation and stated that it is premature to conclude the issues are psychological.
The girl, who was referred from Bolangir to VIMSAR because of the risk of discomfort and infection, is safe, but she will need to be under post-operative care for approximately a week.
Reshma Behera (19) of Ichgaon, which is under the Sindhikela police limits in Bolangir, was admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital on Thursday due to a terrible headache. A CT scan of her skull revealed many needles.
Her condition did not improve after the first eight needles were removed; therefore, she was referred to VIMSAR, where an additional 70 needles were removed.
Reshma sought help from a sorcerer in 2021 after being ill often since her mother's death four years ago. When Reshma complained of pain, the family suddenly found that the needles were present.
The quack has been taken into custody, and police in Kantabanji are looking into whether the culprit has pierced the needles on any other victims.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)
