Hailakandi, June 4: Mohammed Ali, a 40-year-old self-styled mullah, and three others were arrested in Karimganj yesterday in connection with the death of a 12-year-old girl while trying to free her from " evil spirits".

Police sources said Afsana Begum, a student of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed School at Sankarpur village in Karimganj, fell ill on Friday night. Following the advice of neighbour, Khalil Uddin, her father brought her to the house of Ali, who stayed nearby, around 11pm on Friday. Khalil too accompanied them.

Ali started beating her with a stick to free her from "evil spirits". After she fell unconscious, he massaged her with a lotion. Afsana died a few minutes later.

Ali, his wife and brother and Khalil were arrested based on a complaint filed by Afsana's parents.

Police said the body of the girl has been sent to Karimganj civil hospital for post mortem.