Gariaband ‘healing’ horror: Woman gets life term for killing teen, forced conversion pressure exposed
Raipur
A special court in Raipur has sentenced Ishwari Sahu to life imprisonment for the death of an 18-year-old girl during a so-called “healing ritual” in Gariaband district.
🔴 Key highlights
- Convicted for murder, forced religious conversion, and sorcery-related harassment
- Verdict delivered by Special SC/ST Court
- Awarded life term for murder, plus one-year sentences under other offences
🧾 What happened?
The victim, Yogita Sonwani, was suffering from mental health issues and was undergoing treatment in Raipur and Mahasamund. In January 2025, her mother Sunita Sonwani took her to Sahu’s home in Sursabandha village, where the accused claimed to offer indigenous cures.
⚠️ Brutal ‘treatment’
- Victim was subjected to physical assault
- Hot water and alleged “miracle oil” poured on her body
- Accused stood on her chest, applying intense pressure
- Family was forced into prayers, claiming Jesus Christ would heal her
✝️ Pressure for conversion
Witnesses told the court that Sahu repeatedly pushed the family to convert to Christianity, promising recovery after conversion. She also threatened them not to reveal the methods, warning that “the Lord would be displeased.”
🧪 Medical findings
- Cause of death: Blunt force trauma to chest
- Resulted in ruptured lungs, broken ribs, and respiratory failure
- Date of death: 22 May 2025
⚖️ Court observation
The court noted that the accused had no medical qualification and used superstition and religious pressure to exploit a vulnerable family, ultimately causing the girl’s death.
📜 Strict conversion laws
Under Chhattisgarh’s Freedom of Religion law:
- Forced conversion: 7–10 years jail + ₹5 lakh fine
- For SC/ST or minors: 10–20 years + ₹10 lakh fine
- Mass conversions: up to life imprisonment + ₹25 lakh fine
