Odisha: Woman allegedly gang-raped by six men in Cuttack, friend assaulted

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged human sacrifice of a 40-year-old man whose headless body was discovered in Odisha’s Balangir district. The incident occurred following the discovery of Santosh Kharsel’s body near a pond in Bagada village on Thursday, August 20. According to police, the killing appears to have been motivated by the belief that such a ritual could bring wealth, prosperity, and well-being to the accused’s family. The arrested individuals include Shatrughna Sahu, his mother, brother, and sister-in-law. Kharsel’s body was found in a remote area of Bagada village, prompting an immediate investigation. Police confirmed that the victim had been last seen with Sahu, who resides in Tebada Munda village. Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Himanshu Lal stated that Sahu had been conducting occult rituals at his residence, involving the worship of a stone and a copper serpent idol. He reportedly invited Kharsel to his home for a meal and allegedly administered an intoxicating substance to him. Once Kharsel lost consciousness, Sahu performed ritualistic prayers around midnight before beheading him with a sharp-edged weapon. Authorities suspect that the victim’s blood was used in the ritual, with the severed head being buried beneath the puja room of Sahu’s home. During the investigation, police uncovered the head from the location and confirmed its connection to the crime. A blood-stained weapon believed to have been used in the killing was also recovered. The crime scene was reconstructed as part of the ongoing inquiry. Further details emerged from the investigation, revealing that Sahu had previously been involved in occult practices, which may have contributed to his estrangement from his wife. His wife, along with their two children, has been living separately from him for approximately 10 years. According to Balangir’s Superintendent of Police, Abhilash G, Sahu allegedly invited Kharsel to his home on August 18 under the pretense of sharing a meal. After Kharsel fell asleep, Sahu and his accomplices are believed to have attacked him and severed his head. During interrogation, Sahu initially claimed the killing resulted from an argument fueled by alcohol consumption. However, as the questioning continued, he reportedly admitted that the act was an attempt to win back his estranged wife. This admission led to the exhumation of Kharsel’s head from Sahu’s puja room, confirming the human sacrifice aspect of the crime. The police have detained Sahu and four others, including his mother, brother, and sister-in-law, for further questioning. Authorities are still determining whether additional individuals were involved in the crime. The investigation continues to explore the full extent of the events surrounding the murder and the role of Sahu’s occult beliefs in motivating the act. As the case unfolds, police are working to establish the complete timeline of events and gather evidence against all suspects. The motive behind the killing remains a central focus of the investigation, with authorities seeking to understand how Sahu’s personal grievances and religious practices intersected to lead to such a violent outcome. The case has drawn attention due to the unusual nature of the alleged human sacrifice and the potential implications for similar crimes in the region. The victims' families await further updates as the legal process moves forward. Meanwhile, the police continue to examine the evidence collected thus far, aiming to build a solid case against those charged. The reconstruction of the crime scene and the recovery of key items, including the blood-stained weapon and the severed head, provide crucial elements for the prosecution.