Kanhangad (Kasaragod, Kerala): A man claiming to be a traditional healer has been arrested on charges of physically assaulting a young woman affected by endosulfan and sexually assaulting her mother. The accused, Shihabuddin (55), a native of Perla and resident of Taliparamba, was taken into custody by Hosdurg Inspector P Ajithkumar.

Shihabuddin reportedly approached the family, who live within the Hosdurg police station limits, claiming he could cure the young woman’s illness. He began visiting them regularly and eventually took the endosulfan victim, her two sisters, and their parents to his house in Taliparamba. There are also allegations that the sisters were made to stay there.

Once he gained the family’s trust, Shihabuddin allegedly tried to seize their property. Realising they had been deceived, the parents returned home with their daughter.

His next alleged target was 100 sovereigns of gold stored in a bank locker in the mother’s name. During a recent visit to their home, he allegedly physically assaulted the victim in an attempt to gain access to the valuables.

Shihabuddin has been remanded by the Hosdurg First Class Magistrate (I) Court.