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Self-styled tantric arrested after viral video of ritual on children

Police have arrested a man claiming to be a tantric practitioner after a video showing him performing an unconventional ritual on young children circulated widely on social media. The footage allegedly depicted the man swinging toddlers as part of a purported healing practice conducted in front of their parents.

LSN India · 8 October 2026

Self-styled tantric arrested after viral video of ritual on children

Authorities took a self-styled tantric identified as Shrawan Mahto into custody following the emergence of video footage documenting his activities with small children. The recorded incident shows the man engaging in what he claimed was a ritualistic healing practice, performed in the presence of the children's parents who had apparently brought their offspring to him seeking treatment.

The nature of the ritual, which involved swinging the young children, prompted widespread concern on social media platforms where the video rapidly gained traction. The incident raises fresh questions about the vulnerability of families to unorthodox and potentially dangerous practices conducted under the guise of spiritual or medical intervention.

Police have registered a case against Mahto based on the video evidence and public complaints. Authorities are investigating the circumstances under which the ritual was conducted and whether parents were adequately informed about the methods being employed. The case underscores ongoing concerns in India regarding unregulated practitioners offering healing services to unsuspecting communities.

Further investigation is underway to determine if other families may have been affected by similar practices. Child welfare officials are also examining whether any harm was inflicted on the children involved in the incident.