In the ongoing probe into the abuse of mentally ill patients being treated in an inhuman manner at the Sailani Baba Dargah in Buldhana, the medical and psychiatric teams deployed to carry out the survey have reported that they have successfully surveyed 20 patients so far.
The authorities also informed the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) that only two patients have been admitted to the Buldhana District Hospital, which has reserved 10 beds for individuals suffering from mental illness.
To address the situation, the commission has directed the Buldhana Collector to submit a road map outlining the actions taken to ensure proper treatment for mentally ill patients at the hospital, with the assistance of doctors. Additionally, orders have been issued to the Superintendent of Police to submit an action taken report under The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, against the practitioners involved.
The SHRC, in its recent orders, has directed the authorities to ensure necessary compliance in the matter and to submit a report before the commission by June 10.
According to earlier reports submitted to the commission, a list prepared by Dr. Vishwas Kharche—appearing on behalf of the Civil Surgeon—stated that a survey was conducted at the Sailani Baba Dargah, revealing that 451 patients were residing there.
The complaint was filed after a woman reported the inhuman treatment of her mentally ill grandson by a “Baba” from the Dargah. According to her complaint, her grandson was tied with iron chains, and lemon juice was squeezed into his eyes in an attempt to expel the “evil spirit” he was allegedly possessed by. She further alleged that the Baba, identified as Irfan Shah Ranjan Shah, threatened the family and demanded money, prompting her to approach the police and file a complaint under the aforementioned Act.
The police report also referenced a survey conducted by the NGO Dava & Dua, a collaborative effort between Dr. Hamid Dabholkar’s Parivartan Trust, Mathrubhumi Foundation, and other partners, working to eradicate superstition from society. According to the survey, from September 2022 to date, around 340 people had approached the Dargah, and 276 of them—approximately 81 percent—were found to be suffering from chronic, long-term psychiatric illnesses.
A chart submitted before the commission includes a column titled “Mental Health Diagnosis,” which specifies that 106 people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders, 43 from psychosis, 137 from schizophrenia, four from bipolar disorder, 36 from delusional disorder, and 19 from epilepsy.
