In early October 2022, the state was shaken by grim revelations as the news emerged of two women brutally murdered, allegedly in connection with a disturbing human sacrifice ritual. The dismembered bodies of the victims were discovered in Thiruvalla, located in the Pathanamthitta district. The victims, who were lottery ticket sellers in Ernakulam district, fell prey to the gruesome human sacrifice ritual. Within the same week, authorities apprehended three individuals in connection with the heinous crime.
Muhammed Shafi was apprehended by the police on charges of orchestrating the abduction and committing the sacrificial murder. The couple, Bhagawal Singh and Laila Bhagawal Singh, were also arrested on suspicion of commissioning and actively participating in the ritualistic murder.
After being initially remanded to judicial custody, the three accused underwent a subsequent 12 days of police custody. In November, Judicial First Class Magistrate-VIII at Ernakulam, Eldos Mathew, denied bail to Laila. The magistrate cited the prosecution's argument, acknowledging the well-orchestrated nature of the unparalleled crime and deeming a thorough investigation imperative. Despite Laila's attempt to secure bail in January of this year, her plea was once again denied by the High Court. Undeterred, she filed a second bail plea, only to face dismissal today.
