New Delhi, India (Tamsil Shahezad Khan) - In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Indian State Uttar Pradesh Hathras district, an 11-year-old boy was allegedly sacrificed in a gruesome tantric ritual aimed at bringing prosperity to a local school. Five individuals, including the school's owner, director, principal, and two teachers, have been arrested in connection with the heinous crime.
The victim, identified as Kritarth, was a second-grade student at DL Public School. According to Ashok Kumar Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Hathras, the child was abducted from the school hostel on September 23 by teacher Ramprakash Solanki, school director Dinesh Baghel, and school owner Jasodhan Singh.
Police investigations reveal that Jasodhan Singh, a believer in tantric practices, had instructed his son Dinesh Baghel to sacrifice a child to ensure the prosperity of the school and their family. The group took the unsuspecting child to a secluded location for the ritual. When Kritarth awoke and began crying, he was allegedly strangled to death.
The postmortem report confirmed strangulation as the cause of death. Two other accused, teacher Veerpal Singh and school principal Laxman Singh, were reportedly present at the scene, guarding the area during the horrific act.
In an attempt to cover up their crime, the perpetrators initially told Kritarth's parents that the child was unwell and being taken to a hospital. However, the family's suspicions were aroused, leading to the discovery of the boy's lifeless body.
All five accused have been charged under section 103 (1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and remanded to judicial custody. The Hathras Police shared images of the accused on social media, as the local community grapples with the shocking nature of this crime.
This appalling incident has raised serious questions about child safety in educational institutions and the persistence of superstitious practices in parts of India. As the investigation continues, authorities are urged to ensure swift justice for Kritarth and implement stringent measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.