For centuries, stories of black magic, occult rituals, and supernatural beliefs have lingered in the shadows of India, where ancient folklore often coexists with modern life. While most of these practices remain rooted in faith, myth, or tradition, there have been rare instances in which superstition has allegedly driven people to commit unimaginable crimes. In 2022, one such case emerged from the quiet village of Elanthoor in Kerala.
The Kerala black magic double murder case, also known as the Elanthoor human sacrifice case, came to light in October 2022 after the disappearance of two women, Roslin, 49, from Ernakulam, and Padmam, 52, from Tamil Nadu. Police investigations revealed that the women had allegedly been lured with promises of money before being taken to a house in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district, where they were murdered as part of a gruesome human sacrifice ritual.
Source: Two women killed in ‘human sacrifice’ in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, arrests made
The Three Accused and Their Roles: Inside the Elanthoor Human Sacrifice Ritual
According to investigators, Mohammed Shafi, who identifies himself as an occult practitioner using the false name “Rasheed,” convinced Bhagaval Singh, a traditional healer, and his wife Laila that sacrificing human beings would bring them wealth, prosperity, and relief from financial problems. Their first victim was Roslin, a lottery ticket seller from Kalady in Ernakulam district, who was allegedly contacted by Mohammed Shafi. Investigators said Shafi promised her a substantial amount of money in return for participating in what he described as a private activity. Believing she would be paid, Roslin agreed to meet him and was taken to the house of Bhagaval Singh and Laila in Elanthoor, where she was murdered. The second victim, Padmam, who sold traditional massage services and worked as a street vendor, was also allegedly approached by Shafi. Police said he offered her money and work opportunities, persuading her to travel with him to Elanthoor. She was reported missing after failing to return. Investigators later alleged that she was brutally killed at the same property.
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The case was uncovered after police traced Padmam’s movements through mobile phone records and CCTV footage, eventually leading investigators to the Elanthoor residence. During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to the killings. Police later found that the bodies had been dismembered and buried on the property in an attempt to conceal the crimes. Investigators later recovered human remains from the premises. The horrifying details of the crime triggered nationwide outrage and sparked discussions about superstition, ritualistic practices, and the manipulation of vulnerable people by self-proclaimed occultists.
Current Status and Court Trials
The three accused, Mohammed Shafi, Bhagaval Singh, and Laila, have faced charges including murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, destruction of evidence, and related offences. The trial has involved the examination of numerous witnesses, including police officers, forensic experts, and other individuals connected to the investigation. The court has also reviewed forensic reports and electronic evidence collected during the investigation. As of now, the Elanthoor human sacrifice case remains before the courts in Kerala.
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