Police in Sri Lanka said Monday they have arrested a woman in connection with the death of a 9-year-old girl who was repeatedly beaten with a cane during a ritual aimed to drive away demons, the German News Agency reported.
The self-proclaimed exorcist had promised the girl to save her from evil spirits. The woman beat the little girl repeatedly for three days, the police said.
The death occurred over the weekend in Delgoda, a small town about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.
The mother has also been arrested for helping the exorcist in beating her daughter.
The girl passed away on Sunday after she succumbed to her severe injuries.
According to the police, the girl was struck with at least five canes which had been broken due to excessive use.
Exorcism is still widespread in the country where people believe it helps reduce diseases or address social problems, inheritance disputes, and financial issues.
