Five arrested for 7-yr-old's sacrifice

Korba (Chhattisgarh), Feb 23 (UNI) A seven-year-old has been killed in this district by a 'tantrik (sorcerer)' in a bid to strengthen his ''supernatural'' powers after losing from a woman 'tantrik', police said today.

Five persons -- including both the 'tantriks' Baiga Gokulraj (30) and Mulabai -- have been arrested.

Gokulraj allegedly lured one Tej Singh's son Saroj to forest on February 17 and strangulated him, police said.

Police began investigations following a missing complaint by Tej Singh and zeroed in on Gokulraj, who confessed during interrogation.

Saroj's clothes, hairs and bones were found at the place indicated by Gokulraj. Police suspect animals devoured the deceased's corpse.

The other three have been arrested on the suspicion that they incited Gokulraj to fight with Mulabai and later to kill Tej Singh's child. The three accused allegedly had old enmity with Tej Singh.

UNI XC-PS PA RK1944