‘Black magic’ guy kisses hands of devotees to ‘cure’ COVID-19, dies of the disease
The vovel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus causes COVID-19. Image: NIAID-RML via AP
A rumored “black magic” user in Madhya Pradesh, India, who claimed he could cure COVID-19 by kissing the hands of his devotees, succumbed to the disease itself on June 4.
Authorities said the healer, referred to only as the baba, possibly also passed on the virus to over 24 people who came in contact with him, as per Indian magazine Outlook on June 11.
The hand-kissing practice of the baba of Ratlam district was in direct contrast to health protocols and social distancing measures issued by medical experts.
Ratlam’s police superintendent Gaurav Tiwari reported that after conducting contact-tracing efforts, they found out that over 50 people came in contact with the baba, as per digital news outlet The Print on June 12.
Some 150 people from Nayapura, where the baba resided, have now been put under quarantine, the report said. The area has also been considered a containment zone.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Ratlam district has recorded a total of 85 COVID-19 cases, 44 of which have already recovered while another four have died. Ian Biong/JB
Article continues after this advertisementRELATED STORIES:
Pregnant cow severely injured after being fed firecracker-filled wheat dough; culprit arrested
After case of 14-year-old girl beheaded by father, bill against child abuse passed by Iran
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
