Kerala human sacrifice case: Court set to start Padma murder trial; 3 accused face multiple charges

Kochi: The trial in one of Kerala’s most shocking criminal cases — the Elanthoor human sacrifice murders — begins on Monday in Kochi.

Proceedings will first take up the killing of Padma, a woman from Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. Her death was part of a series of alleged ritual killings that triggered nationwide outrage in 2022.

Three accused — Muhammad Shafi, Bhagaval Singh and his wife Laila — are currently lodged in Kakkanad jail. They face several charges including murder, rape, conspiracy, kidnapping, destruction of evidence, theft and outraging the dignity of a corpse.

Padma murder case taken up first

The trial will be conducted at the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court V.

On Monday, the court will examine Palaniyamma — Padma’s younger sister, the complainant and the first witness in the case.

Investigators allege Padma was lured to the home of Bhagaval Singh and Laila in Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta district. She was reportedly invited there under the pretext of a prosperity ritual and “Aishwarya pooja”.

According to police findings, the murder took place on September 16, 2022.

Officers later recovered body parts from the compound of Bhagaval Singh’s property. The investigation concluded that Padma had been brutally killed and the body cut into 56 pieces before being buried.

The three accused were arrested on October 11, 2022.

Second murder trial to follow next week

A separate trial linked to the killing of Rosily — a resident of Wadakkanchery who had been living in Kalady — is expected to begin next week.

Police said Rosily was also brought to the same house and murdered in a similar manner.

During the investigation, officers recovered only her skeletal remains. Authorities later confirmed the identities of both victims through DNA testing.

Probe details and alleged ritual killings

Investigators said the murders occurred over a period of four months and were suspected to be part of rituals carried out for “financial benefits”. Police linked the crimes to black magic practices.

Muhammad Shafi, a native of Perumbavoor who allegedly claimed to be a sorcerer, is accused of orchestrating the crimes along with the couple.

The investigation team stated that his motive was cruelty and financial gain.

During the probe, police recovered an uruli vessel and a knife believed to have been used to cut the flesh into pieces. Investigators also said parts of the victims’ flesh were cooked and consumed by the accused, while the remaining portions were stored in a refrigerator. Other body parts were buried in the compound.

The chargesheet has strong evidence against the accused gathered with the help of forensic and cyber experts.