Catholic bishops in Kerala cautioned people against rising occult practices in the wake of reported cases of human sacrifices in the southern Indian state.
“No civilized society can image such ghastly murders. We are shocked,” said Father Jacob G Palakkappilly, spokesperson of Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC).
The priest made the comment to Matters India on October 13, two days after the killings came to light following investigation into a complaint.
According to the police, two middle aged women were sacrificed for prosperity and wealth in the past four months in Pathanamthitta district.
“Nothing but shocked. It has happened in Kerala,” said Sister Jessy Kurian, a Supreme Court lawyer, reacting to the reports of human sacrifices in a state that boasts of the highest literacy rate and a model of women empowerment in India.
The police arrested the prime suspect, Mohammad Shafi alias Rasheed, a black magic practitioner, and Bhagaval Singh, a traditional healer, and his wife, Laila in connection with the double murders.
They were produced before the District and Sessions Court in Ernakulam (Kochi) on October 12 and were remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.
According to the police, Rasheed, with the help of a fake Facebook account pretending as a female, came in contact with the other accused and offered them wealth and prosperity through tantric rituals.
Rasheed suggested them to sacrifice two women and agreed to arrange them for 300,000 rupees.
Read the full story on Matters India
