Chhattisgarh Quack Healer Gets Life Term for Teen’s Death in Brutal ‘Treatment’

Gariaband woman sentenced to life imprisonment in fake faith healing case that led to 18-year-old’s death 

In a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated faith healing and superstitious practices, a special court in Raipur has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for the death of an 18-year-old girl who was subjected to brutal “treatment” involving hot water, oil, and physical pressure in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district.

The court also handed down additional sentences under various laws, including the SC/ST Act and provisions related to religious freedom, underscoring the intersection of medical negligence, superstition, and alleged religious coercion in the case.

Gruesome ‘Cure’ Turns Fatal

According to the prosecution, Yogita Sonwani, who suffered from mental illness, was taken by her mother Sunita Sonwani to Ishwari Sahu in Sursabandha village of Gariaband district in January 2025. Sahu, with no medical qualifications, claimed she could heal patients through prayers to Jesus Christ and traditional methods.

Court proceedings revealed that Sahu would pour hot water and “miraculous oil” on the girl’s body, climb on her chest, and press down with her feet while forcing prayers. Witnesses described how the accused assured the family that “Ishoo Masih” (Jesus Christ) would cure her if they kept faith and, reportedly, considered changing their religion. 

Yogita’s condition deteriorated rapidly. On May 22, 2025, she died. A post-mortem reportedly indicated respiratory failure with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma from heavy or blunt objects, matching the description of the “treatment.”

Family Allegedly Silenced by Fear

Initial reports indicate the family was warned against seeking outside help. Sahu allegedly told them that complaining would anger the Lord, instilling fear that kept them silent for a long time. It was only after the girl’s death that Sunita Sonwani approached the Rajim police station. 

Police registered a case, conducted investigations, and filed a charge sheet. Several witnesses, including family members, testified in court. Their statements were found consistent and could not be discredited by the defence.

Court’s Strong Observations

The special SC/ST court, while delivering the verdict, noted that Ishwari Sahu had no medical degree or training yet posed as a healer. The judge observed that the combination of physical assault under the guise of treatment, exploitation of superstition, and alleged pressure for religious conversion contributed to the tragic outcome. 

Government pleader Uma Shankar Verma informed the court that Sahu was awarded life imprisonment for murder, one year under the Freedom of Religion Act, one year each under two sections of the Tonahi (witchcraft) prevention law, and additional punishment under the SC/ST Act. All sentences are to run concurrently, with the life term being the primary one. 

Background of the Victim

Yogita had been undergoing proper medical treatment at hospitals in Raipur and Mahasamund for her mental health issues. Her family, desperate for a quicker recovery, fell prey to suggestions from locals about Sahu’s “desi ilaj.” Such cases highlight persistent challenges in rural areas where lack of awareness and access to quality healthcare often push vulnerable families towards unqualified healers. 

Local authorities confirmed that the village and surrounding areas have seen occasional reports of similar superstitious practices, though this case stands out for its fatal consequences and the religious angle. 

Link to Broader Concerns on Conversions

The judgment comes weeks after Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka gave assent to a stricter Freedom of Religion Bill in early April 2026. The new law imposes stringent penalties for conversions through force, allurement, or fraud — ranging from 7-10 years imprisonment and fines starting at ₹5 lakh, with harsher provisions for cases involving women, minors, or SC/ST communities.

While the court in this case invoked the older provisions, legal observers note that such incidents strengthen the case for robust implementation of anti-conversion and anti-superstition laws. 

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The verdict has brought some closure to Yogita’s family, though they continue to grapple with loss. Social activists in the region have called for greater awareness drives against quackery and blind faith. Health officials in Gariaband and Raipur districts are said to be monitoring similar claims of miraculous cures. 

Police sources said they are also examining if others were involved in referring patients to Sahu. Appeals against the sentence are expected in higher courts. 

This case once again brings into focus the thin line between faith and exploitation in parts of rural Chhattisgarh, where traditional beliefs sometimes override modern medical science with devastating results. Authorities emphasise the need for communities to rely on registered healthcare providers for serious illnesses.