Dhaka, Oct. 9 -- What was meant to be a simple cosmetic fix turned into a traumatic ordeal for Chennai-based makeup artist V Jayanthi, who lost both her earlobes after undergoing a so-called 'herbal procedure' at a local beauty parlour.

The ordeal

In March 2023, Jayanthi visited Abbe Herbal Beauty Parlour in Arumbakkam, run by Akilandeshwari, seeking a natural remedy to reduce the size of her stretched ear piercings. The treatment cost Rs 2,000 but resulted in far greater physical and emotional suffering.

Shortly after applying the herbal paste, Jayanthi experienced a severe burning sensation. When she raised concerns, the staff reassured her that the reaction was normal and continued applying the mixture, wrapping her earlobes in plas...