A 73-year-old woman from Siddalek Rural Municipality-4, Dhading, has been admitted to a Kathmandu-based hospital after she was tortured and force-fed human faeces by four men over witchcraft allegation.

Police on Monday said Seti Maya Layo Magar suffered grievous bodily harm

in the incident that occurred on November 14.

The case was not reported to police until three days later as the victim was reportedly threatened by the four accused men and local political leaders.

Juna, the woman’s granddaughter, said her injured grandmother was pressured by the leaders of various political parties to remain silent and not to go to police.    

She claimed Dhan Bahadur Magar, a Nepal Army soldier, was the main instigator of the attack.

Dhan Bahadur had reportedly attacked Seti Maya after three local shamans, Harka Bahadur Pulami, Khol Bahadur Pulami and Yam Bahadur Magar claimed that she was a village witch.

All four men have been arrested based on the victim’s complaint. Police said Dhan Bahadur, who had come home on a furlough from his station at the Nepal Army Barracks in Kulekhani, Makwanpur, was apprehended while he was trying to flee the village.