LUCKNOW: The braid chopping incidents in Uttar Pradesh were reported in western UP districts of Mathura, Agra, Hapur, Aligarh, Noida. The women were struck by the mysterious chopper in sleep during the night. Many victim s had to be admitted to hospital in a state of shock after the incident.
Subsequently, police authorities increased night patrolling in affected areas. Even the village men armed with baton and other ammunition started guarding women in shifts.
In some districts, the incidents of braid chopping were reported during the daytime but the perpetrators managed to remain elusive.
An elderly woman was lynched by villagers in Agra suspecting her to be involved in witchcraft and braid chopping incidents. Scores of such incidents were reported from other places also, but nothing concrete could be established about the strange element behind the theory.
However, some of the victims claimed that they saw a shadow of buck-teethed character approaching them in the darkness of night. It was attributed to exorcists, and super natural powers but nothing concrete came out.
Finally, police authorities issued appeal to people to be watchful of rumour mongers. Advisories were issued to all the district chiefs and senior police officials across the state to be on high alert against any such activity or the perpetrators of it. Role of any organised criminal gang was ruled by police officials.