Kolkata: Local residents of Swarupnagar in North 24-Parganas on Thursday set a woman's house on fire suspecting her to be a tantrik. They were infuriated over her alleged occult practices.
The accused woman, Alpana Ghosh, and her husband Nityananda are at present absconding.
A large contingent of police went to the spot and pacified the angry mob.
Local residents alleged that Alpana and her family has been staying in Kabilpur village for the past three years. People from distant areas had been visiting Alpana for treatment of their chronic diseases and to fulfill their dreams.
A local resident alleged that Alpana had fanned the desire of woman, who wanted to fulfill her sadhana through human sacrifice. A 65-year-old woman allegedly had a dream where she was instructed that to fulfill her sadhana she had to sacrifice the lives of seven people.
Local residents said about two months ago, Alpana had prescribed some roots and a chemical to a three-year-old girl to cure some ailment. The girl, Rani Ghosh, had to be taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital after she consumed the root and chemical and the doctors had declared her dead on arrival.
Another girl, Rinki Ghosh, a Higher Secondary student, was also administered the chemicals and roots. At present, she is battling for her life at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Once the news reached the village, local residents attacked the house of the tantric and ransacked it. They set her car and house on fire. Initially, Alpana tried to pacify the mob but when she failed to do it she left the spot with her husband. A massive hunt is on to nab both of them.