Two young brothers die after family turns to faith healer for fever treatment

By Sumesh Rajan | September 7, 2026

Ramgarh, Jharkhand, INDIA: Two minor brothers, aged 10 and 15, died after their condition deteriorated while suffering from fever in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, while their mother remains in critical condition, officials said. The family had reportedly sought treatment from a local Ojha-Guni, or traditional faith healer, before approaching a hospital.

The incident occurred in a village under Patratu block, where the two children and their mother had been suffering from fever for around three days.

According to officials and local residents, instead of immediately seeking treatment from a qualified doctor or health facility, the family allegedly approached an Ojha-Guni. Their condition, however, continued to worsen.

After the two brothers became critically ill, family members rushed them to Ramgarh Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Their mother, who was also admitted in a serious condition, was subsequently referred to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for specialised treatment.

Police and administrative officials reached the village after being informed about the deaths and initiated an inquiry.

Ramgarh Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar said the three family members had been suffering from fever for several days before being brought to the hospital.

“Instead of consulting a doctor or visiting a health facility, the family sought treatment from a suspected Ojha-Guni. Their condition later became critical, following which they were brought to Sadar Hospital. The two brothers died, while their mother has been referred to Ranchi in critical condition,” Kumar said.

He added that a medical team would visit the village to investigate the deaths and determine the nature of the illness. The exact cause of the fever and the deaths has not yet been established.

Officials have also urged villagers to avoid relying solely on superstition or faith healing for serious illnesses and to seek timely treatment at recognised health centres or hospitals.