Sambalpur: Surgeons at VIMSAR, Burla, removed around 70 needles from the skull of a 19-year-old girl, who had complained of pain after being treated by a quack, late on Thursday.
“The operation involving three senior surgeons lasted one and a half hours and now the girl is out of danger,” Director of VIMSAR, Bhabagrahi Rath said.
The 19-year-old will be under medical observation for a few more days and treated for minor infection. “Fortunately, the needles had not pierced the skull,” Rath said and added it was sad that in an age of advanced medical science and technology people continued to consult quacks for minor ailments.
The victim in this case is a native of Inch village under Sindhkela Police limits in Balangir district. A couple of days back, she complained of an ailment and was taken to a quack Santosh Rana of Jamutjhula village.
Rana purportedly performed a ritualistic procedure on her, during which he inserted needles into her head, rendering the girl unconscious. After the procedure, he claimed that she had been cured. However, upon returning home, the family spotted needles protruding from her head and rushed her to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital.
A subsequent CT scan revealed that several needles were embedded in her skull, causing injuries. Subsequently, the girl was referred to VIMSAR, Burla, where she underwent surgery.
Meanwhile, on the basis of a complaint filed by the victim’s family, Sindhekela police registered a case and arrested Rana on charges of grievous assault and endangering life. The incident has sparked shock and outrage in the district.
