Kottayam: Kottayam police have arrested three people, including a woman’s husband and father-in-law, for allegedly subjecting her to hours of torture as part of a witchcraft ritual. The disturbing incident, which took place in Manarcadu, came to light after footage of the ritual surfaced online.

The video, reportedly filmed by the victim’s sister-in-law, shows the young woman’s legs being tied and her hair being cut as chants are recited. The 22-year-old bride, married only two weeks ago, told 'Mathrubhumi News' that she was forcibly intoxicated, bound, and burned during the ordeal.

According to her statement, the ritual was performed after her mother-in-law claimed that the spirits of two recently deceased relatives had possessed her. “They made me drink alcohol, tied my legs with silk threads, and burned my forehead with a beedi,” the woman said. “They said it was to drive away evil spirits. I was also made to eat holy ash (bhasmam) and had my hair cut while chants were recited.”

Police said the main accused, Shivadas (54), who identifies himself as Shivan Thirumeni, was brought from Thiruvalla to conduct the ritual. The woman’s husband, Akhil Das (26), and his father, Das (55), have also been arrested.

The alleged ritual reportedly lasted from 11 am to 9 pm on Sunday. Police said the victim was forcibly given alcohol and made to smoke a beedi before being branded.

After her condition worsened, the woman’s father filed a complaint, leading to the arrests. The Manarcadu police have registered a case of mental and physical assault. The victim’s mother-in-law, who allegedly organised the ritual, is currently absconding.

The arrests were carried out by a team led by SHO Anil George, along with SI Ash T Chacko and officers Radhakrishnan, Anoop, Vijesh, and Subin P Saji. The accused were produced before the Kottayam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-3 and remanded in custody.