Kolkata, July 7(IANS) A twelve-year old girl was seriously injured after she was tied to a tree and beaten up for over an hour by an occult practitioner Monday in West Bengal reportedly to “ward of evil spirits”, officials said. The incident took place at Sodepur, a small town about 15 km from here.

“Rupa’s mother, Rina Roy, forcibly took her to black magic practitioner Tara Sil Monday afternoon. Sil tied her to a post and beat her brutally with a broom for over an hour. The neighbours informed the police who rescued the girl,” town councillor Pankaj Das told reporters.

“Rupa has suffered a nervous breakdown, apart from physical injuries,” he said.

Das added: “It’s surprising that even in the 21st century we have not been able to come out of superstitions. Action will be taken against Roy.”

However, the victim’s mother did not regret her actions.

“For the last few days Rupa had become very aggressive. So I took her to Sil to ward off evil powers from her. Whatever was done was for her good only,” Roy said.

Rupa was admitted to Panihati state general hospital Monday evening.