A one-year-old infant was saved from being sacrificed in a bizarre ritual aimed at discovering hidden treasure after a last-minute tip-off to authorities in the Bengaluru Rural district on Saturday, January 4, 2026. The incident occurred at the residence of a man named Syed Imran, where preparations for the human sacrifice were underway. A small pit had already been dug inside the house as part of the ceremony, surrounded by ritual items including incense sticks, flowers, and other materials typically used in such superstitious practices. Police and child protection officials intervened just in time, halting the rituals and rescuing the child.

The breakthrough came when unidentified individuals alerted the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) about suspicious activities at the house. Acting swiftly on the information, a team from the DCPU conducted an inspection and discovered the ongoing preparations. The child, who is related to the accused, was immediately taken into protective custody to ensure his safety. Syed Imran and any other individuals involved have been detained for questioning. Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to attempted murder and child endangerment.

The shocking episode has once again highlighted the persistence of dangerous superstitions and occult practices in parts of rural India, where belief in hidden treasures and the use of human sacrifice to unlock them still lingers despite being illegal and widely condemned. Child rights activists have called for greater awareness campaigns and stricter monitoring in vulnerable communities to prevent such incidents. The rescued infant is now under the care of child welfare authorities and will be provided with necessary protection and support. The case is under active investigation, with police examining possible links to similar superstitious networks in the region.

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This timely intervention by alert citizens and prompt action by officials prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for continued efforts to eradicate deep-rooted superstitions that endanger innocent lives, particularly children. Authorities have assured that all those responsible will face strict legal consequences. The rescued child’s safety remains the top priority as the probe continues.

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