Trial in Elanthur human sacrifice case gets under way

The trial in the human sacrifice case at Elanthur in Pathanamthitta got under way at the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on Monday.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Padma, a native of Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. Padma’s younger sister, Palaniamma, who is the first witness in the case, was examined on the day. Padma’s son, Selvaraj, will be examined on Tuesday.

The first three accused—Mohammed Shafi of Perumbavoor, Bhagaval Singh, an ayurvedic practitioner from Elanthoor, and his wife Laila—were produced in court. They had been lodged in the Viyyur high-security prison and were brought to Kakkanad district jail on Sunday for the trial.

Palaniamma arrived in court with a translator, but informed the court that she could speak in Malayalam. The court then permitted her to testify in Malayalam.

Two women were allegedly murdered as part of occult rituals. The trial in the murder of Rosily, a native of Vadakkanchery, will begin next week.

According to the prosecution, Padma and Rosily were lured to Bhagaval Singh and Laila’s house in Elanthoor and killed. After Padma was allegedly murdered, her body was cut into pieces and buried in Bhagaval Singh’s property. Rosily’s skeletal remains were recovered. The bodies were identified through DNA testing.

Charges against the accused include murder, rape, conspiracy, abduction, destruction of evidence, theft, and disrespect to human remains.

The alleged double murder took place in 2022. The three accused were arrested on October 11 that year. The case is being heard by Judge T. Madhusoodanan. Special Public Prosecutor V. Ajakumar appeared for the prosecution.