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The tragic death of a seven-year-old boy in India, allegedly as part of a ritual sacrifice, has sent shockwaves through the nation. The incident, which occurred in the city of Hathras, not far from the iconic Taj Mahal, has brought to light the dark underbelly of superstitious practices that still persist in certain parts of the country. The victim, a resident of the hostel attached to a public school, was found dead in his bed on Sunday night. The school director, Dinesh Baghel, instead of reporting the incident to the authorities, concealed the body in the trunk of his car, further raising suspicions about his involvement in the heinous act.
According to police investigations, the boy was killed before a black magic ceremony conducted by Baghel's father. The child was intended to be offered as a sacrifice on an altar during the ritual, but met his demise before the ceremony could be completed. The police have arrested Baghel and his father, along with three other teachers at the school, for their alleged involvement in the murder. The specific details surrounding the boy's death remain under investigation, and a post-mortem examination is currently underway.
This case highlights the unsettling prevalence of ritual killings in India, particularly in remote and tribal areas where traditional beliefs in witchcraft and the occult remain strong. The National Crime Records Bureau recorded 103 cases of human sacrifice in the country between 2014 and 2021. In similar incidents, individuals often resort to such acts in the belief that they will appease deities or gain favors. In a previous case from 2019, five men were arrested for the murder of a 64-year-old woman who was killed and decapitated with a machete after visiting a temple in India's remote northeast. The alleged mastermind behind this crime claimed that he was conducting a religious ritual to commemorate the anniversary of his brother's death.
The Hathras incident, however, is particularly disturbing as it involves the murder of a young child and the alleged complicity of individuals entrusted with his education and well-being. The incident underscores the importance of combating superstition and promoting rational thinking in society. Authorities must take strong action against those who perpetrate such acts of violence and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law. This case also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of superstitious beliefs and to educate communities about the dangers of such practices.