Yavatmal: A disturbing incident has come to light in Sakur village near Yavatmal, where police uncovered an alleged black magic ritual believed to be part of a treasure hunt and possibility of human sacrifice. Acting on a tip-off received on July 19, a team from Yavatmal rural police station raided a house in the village and arrested five men. The suspects were reportedly performing occult rituals, possibly in an attempt to locate hidden treasure. Police seized lemons, coconuts, offerings, digging tools, and three motorcycles from near a large pit which was being dug up. The arrested individuals have been identified as Akash Kotnake (Sakur), Sonu alias Kunal Khekare (Nanded), Vrushabh Todaskar (Ghatanji), Pradeep Ilpate (Washim) and Bablu alias Nishchay Yerekar (Arni). A sixth person managed to flee the scene, and police are currently searching for him.According to police sources, four men were found inside the house during the raid, while two tried to escape through back door. One was caught after a brief chase.The police have registered a case under Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, along with relevant sections of the law at Yavatmal rural police station.Police inspector Sunil Naik, who led the operation, said, “Based on a secret input, we raided a house in Sakur where we found digging in progress. It appears the accused were searching for hidden treasure through occult practices. We detained five individuals and are continuing our investigation.”The incident has raised public concern over the persistence of superstitious practices in rural Maharashtra.
