In a startling medical case in Odisha, doctors at the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) successfully performed a complex surgery to remove 77 needles from the head of a 19-year-old woman.
The unusual and distressing case has garnered significant attention due to its connection to ritualistic practices of sorcery, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by superstitious beliefs in rural areas.
Discovery and Surgical Intervention of 77 Needles
The young woman, identified as Reshma Behera from Ichgaon in the Balangir district, had been suffering from severe headaches and abnormal movements within her head. Initially treated at Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, a CT scan revealed multiple needles embedded in her skull. This alarming discovery necessitated a transfer to VIMSAR for advanced surgical intervention.
The surgical team at VIMSAR undertook a meticulous procedure to address this rare and challenging situation. Director Bhabagrahi Rath reported that a total of 77 needles were extracted from Reshma’s head during the surgeries. “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,” Rath explained. The operation, which began at 2 am, lasted for one and a half hours. Despite the complexity of the procedure, none of the needles had pierced the skull, preventing further damage.
Reshma’s case highlights the extreme measures taken as part of a ritualistic belief system. According to her testimony, the needles were inserted during a session with a sorcerer, sought out by her family following the death of her mother around four years ago. The needles were discovered only after Reshma began experiencing severe pain, which led to the decision to seek medical help.
The Superstitious Roots and Legal Actions
Reshma’s ordeal traces back to her family’s involvement with a local sorcerer, a practice not uncommon in some rural parts of India. The sorcerer was believed to have performed the ritual as a form of treatment or intervention, a common but dangerous practice rooted in superstition. Reshma’s father recounted that his daughter was unconscious during the session with the sorcerer and had no knowledge of the needles being inserted. She only learned about the needles after the pain became unbearable, prompting her family to seek medical assistance.
Following the revelation of the needles and the subsequent surgeries, a police complaint was filed against the sorcerer. This legal action resulted in the sorcerer’s arrest, underscoring the serious legal implications of such superstitious practices. The case has brought attention to the hazards associated with relying on unproven and dangerous rituals instead of seeking legitimate medical care.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by traditional superstitious practices, particularly in rural areas where such beliefs may be deeply entrenched. The insertion of needles, intended as part of a ritual, resulted in significant health risks and required a complex surgical procedure to address.
Currently, Reshma Behera is recovering at VIMSAR, where she is being closely monitored by medical professionals. Her condition is improving, and her doctors remain hopeful for a full recovery. The successful removal of the 77 needles is a significant medical achievement, demonstrating the skill and dedication of the surgical team at VIMSAR.
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