On 13/2, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Police Investigation Agency initiated criminal proceedings and imposed a ban on leaving her residence for Bui Thi Hoai, 54, of Lang Cac, Xuan Du commune. She is under investigation for intentional injury.

The investigating agency announces the decision to prosecute Bui Thi Hoai. Photo provided by police.

The investigating agency announces the decision to prosecute Bui Thi Hoai. Photo provided by police.

According to the investigation, on the morning of 7/1, Hoai visited her 98-year-old mother-in-law's home in Lang Sen, Xuan Du commune. Her stated purpose was to burn incense in preparation for Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year).

During the visit, Hoai allegedly exploited a "spirit mediumship" ritual to brutally attack her mother-in-law with a weapon. Her sister-in-law and a mot small child nearby were also assaulted by the "spirit medium". All ba victims suffered injuries and required emergency hospitalization.

Bui Thi Hoai admitted her criminal act, stating that the motive stemmed from a family land dispute. Trieu Son General Hospital confirmed that the elderly victim's health has stabilized, and she has since been discharged to return home for Tet.

Lam Son