A 9-year-old girl was beaten to death with a stick during an exorcism in Sri Lanka, police said.
The girl’s mother and the woman she hired to expel an evil spirt from the girl were arrested and appeared in court on Monday, following the fatal weekend ceremony.
The victim’s mother thought the girl was possessed by a demon and took her to the exorcist’s home in Delgoda, officials said.
During the ritual, the exorcist smeared the girl in oil and hit her repeatedly with a stick. She lost consciousness and died in hospital, police said.
Police nearby are investigating whether the suspect, who is known for promoting demonic casting services, has abused someone else.
With AP