Horrific! Mother in Riau murders her own child under the pretext of spiritual healing

This tragic incident occurred at the suspect’s home in Muara Dilam Village, Kunto Darussalam District, Rohul Regency, Riau, on Thursday 14 May 2026. The case was reported by RR, the victim’s father and the suspect’s husband. Based on the investigation, the suspect is suspected of carrying out an act described as spiritual healing on the victim, claiming that the victim was possessed. According to witnesses, the suspect initially assaulted the victim with bare hands. When a witness tried to stop the savage act, the suspect instead struck the victim with a tin can. The suspect also gagged the victim’s mouth with a number of objects until the victim suffocated, he added. The victim cried out for help, but residents did not dare enter. They only entered after being accompanied by a community leader, after which the perpetrator was restrained. The victim was found collapsed at the scene. The residents summoned a midwife to provide first aid, but unfortunately the victim did not survive. Separately, residents reported the incident to the police. Police arrived and secured the suspect along with several pieces of evidence, including the victim’s clothing, a lock of hair, a hair tie, and a tin can. For the act, the suspect was charged under Article 80(3) and (4) read in conjunction with Article 76C of the Child Protection Act, as well as Articles 458(1) and (2) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Penal Code. The Rohul Police Chief stressed that any form of violence against children is a serious crime that will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable law. “Children are the nation’s future generation and must be protected. We will ensure the legal process against the perpetrator proceeds professionally, transparently, and comprehensively,” he concluded.