Bhubaneswar: A 40-year-old man was allegedly beheaded as part of a human sacrifice ritual in Balangir district, police said on Friday.
The incident took place at Bagada village under Deogaon police limits. The victim was identified as Santosh Kharsel of Tebada Munda village under Tusura police limits.
Police have arrested five persons, including the alleged mastermind Satrughana Sahoo, in connection with the murder. A blood-stained sharp-edged weapon suspected to have been used in the crime was also seized. Sahoo’s mother, brother and sister-in-law have been detained for questioning, police said.
According to investigators, Sahoo had invited Kharsel to his house for a feast a few days ago. The victim was allegedly attacked and beheaded while he was asleep. Police suspect that his blood was subsequently offered to a deity as part of an alleged human sacrifice ritual.
Sahoo allegedly buried Kharsel’s severed head inside his house and disposed of the headless body outside the village.
The crime came to light after villagers spotted the headless body on Thursday and informed the police. During the subsequent investigation, police traced the killing to Sahoo and his associates and uncovered the alleged human sacrifice angle.
During interrogation, Sahoo reportedly confessed to the crime and told police that he had carried out the ritual for the wellbeing of his family.
“The accused confessed during interrogation. The victim’s severed head has been recovered after it was dug out from the accused’s house. The crime scene has also been recreated as part of the investigation,” a police officer said.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances behind the killing and the role of others in the alleged ritual.
