Assaulted with an axe, the woman sustained severe injuries on her limbs and head. She is now undergoing treatment at the New Civil Hospital in Surat, where her condition is reported to be stable.

According to the police, Hansha Rathod (50), who was staying with her daughter Meena Rathod, came to clean up her ancestral house in Dahen a couple of days ago along with her friend Kalawati Rathod.

On Sunday evening, Chiman Rathod, also a resident of Dahen, went to Hansha’s house and attacked her accusing her of practicing witchcraft. Chiman also told her that she was responsible for the death of his elder brother Mohan Rathod. After the assault, Chiman fled the village.

Kalawati shouted for help and called in the neighbours who immediately rushed Hansha to the hospital. They also informed the Olpad police which registered a case against Chiman and arrested him in the afternoon.

Sub-Inspector H M Suthar said: “We arrested the accused from his house. During interrogation, we learnt there was some old dispute between Hansha and Chiman, which resulted in the incident.”

He added that Chiman’s elder brother, Mohan died two months ago due to severe illness. Mohan’s family members, including Chiman, suspected that Hansha was involved in witchcraft.

She regularly visited her ancestral house in Dahen village to keep possession of the house, said Suthar.