Lucknow: After Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, the hair-chopping panic has spread to villages in Mathura and Agra districts. Over a period of last two days, nine women have complained that their braids had been chopped off by unknown persons. The victims — six from Mathura and three from Agra — said that they had experienced unbearable headache and had fallen unconscious after their braids were chopped off. 

One such incident was reported from Sisram Nagla area under Magora police station of Mathura where a 50-year-old woman was sleeping when her hair was chopped off. She had to be admitted to a private hospital as the incident had left her in a state of deep shock.

Another similar incident took place on Monday in Bharokar village in Barsana where one Guddi was cleaning utensils when she reportedly saw a “woman with big teeth” and fainted. When she regained consciousness, she saw her braid lying nearby. She immediately informed her family members but no one had heard any or seen anyone there. Other cases have been reported from Shahpur village in Kosikalan, Achnera in Agra.

These incidents have left the villagers in a state of panic and some are seeking remedies through black magic for these uncanny incidents.

Virendra Nath Sharma, a local lawyer, said, “This is not an isolated incident and not all the women can be wrong. It is clear that there is an organised group behind this. The police should immediately take action because people are in panic”.

However, the police said that since Mathura is the religious place and people easily believe in such superstitious activities, some miscreants are creating panic.

SSP Mathura Swapnil Mangain said that so far no formal complaint has been lodged by any of the alleged victims. He said these cases have been reported after the media highlighted similar incidents from the neighbouring states.

The district officials in these districts have appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumours in this regard. It may be recalled that over a dozen women from Rajasthan, Haryana and outer Delhi have claimed to be victim of the braid-chopping menace.