In a disturbing incident in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, outraged villagers took swift action against a local occult practitioner accused of molesting an 11- year-old girl.

The incident took place in Mohanlalganj village in Lucknow district on October 25.

Visuals showed villagers armed with sticks, furiously beating and kicking the accused. Their anger was palpable as they reacted to the alleged assault on the young girl, showing no mercy in their pursuit of justice.

According to reports, the accused, identified as Meku Lal, has long practiced exorcism and occult rituals in a hut outside the village. He also owns land in the area, where a couple was working under contract to harvest his crops. On the day of the incident, Meku Lal offered to bring food from a nearby village, and the couple, trusting him, left their daughter at home.

Allegedly, the practitioner then led the girl to his hut and assaulted her. When she returned and shared her experience with her parents, word spread quickly, and the villagers banded together to confront him. The locals detained and severely beat the accused before notifying the police.

The Mohanlalganj police took custody of Meku Lal and registered a case against him under the POCSO Act following the father’s complaint. Authorities have launched an investigation, determined to seek justice for the young victim.