Bhopal: Three men have been arrested for allegedly murdering a 42-year-old trader in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, believing that a human sacrifice would help them uncover a hidden treasure, police said.
The victim, Vijay Jain, a resident of Gairatganj, had been reported missing after he left home on July 9 without informing his family. Following a four-day search involving the examination of CCTV footage and questioning of relatives and acquaintances, police discovered a partially buried body on the bank of a river near Parasia village.
The body was identified as Jain’s through his clothing, slippers, mobile phone and a distinctive artificial stone eye.
According to police, the investigation led to Prahlad Sahu, one of the last people known to have been in contact with the victim. During interrogation, investigators allege that Sahu confessed to conspiring with Tikam Sahu and Karim Khan to kill Jain as part of an occult ritual.
Police said the three accused believed that a human sacrifice was necessary to uncover treasure allegedly buried beneath a platform near the river.
According to the investigation, the accused took Jain to the secluded location on the pretext of excavating the supposed treasure. Police allege that Prahlad Sahu, who was believed by the group to practise occult rituals, performed a ceremony before declaring that a human sacrifice was required.
Investigators claim that the three men then overpowered Jain. According to police, Tikam Sahu and Karim Khan restrained the victim while Prahlad Sahu allegedly attacked him with an axe, causing fatal injuries.
Police said the accused buried the body in a pit on the riverbank before fleeing, believing the ritual would enable them to locate the hidden treasure.
All three accused have been arrested. Investigators have recovered the axe allegedly used in the murder, a shovel, the motorcycle allegedly used to transport the victim, and the mobile phones of the accused.
Police said the case highlights the dangers of superstition and blind faith, particularly when combined with criminal intent and greed. The investigation is ongoing.
