A 65-year-old woman was arrested in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur after she was allegedly caught on CCTV performing a ritual described as black magic inside a courtroom, triggering concern among court officials and prompting a police investigation. The woman allegedly entered a judicial courtroom and sprinkled white mustard seeds on the judge’s chair as part of the purported ritual. According to Chikkaballapur City Police, the accused woman has been identified as Manjula. The incident reportedly took place inside the 1st Additional Senior Civil Judge and Court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC Court) in Chikkaballapur. Officials said the matter came to light after CCTV footage from the courtroom allegedly captured the woman entering the premises and carrying out the act.

Police said the footage showed Manjula allegedly approaching the judge’s chair and placing white mustard seeds on it. The act was suspected to be a ritual associated with black magic, following which authorities were informed and an inquiry was initiated. The incident has raised concerns among court staff due to the location where the alleged activity took place. Courtrooms are considered highly secured areas, and officials are examining how the woman was able to enter the courtroom and access the judge’s chair without immediate intervention.

Following the investigation, police arrested Manjula and registered a case against her under the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017. The law was introduced to prohibit certain practices involving superstition, exploitation and activities that are considered harmful or inhuman. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the alleged act and whether the woman had any specific intention connected to court proceedings or individuals associated with the judiciary. Police have not revealed further details about her background or the circumstances that led to the incident.

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The CCTV footage is expected to play an important role in the investigation as officials verify the sequence of events. Police are also likely to record statements from court employees and other individuals who may have information regarding the woman’s entry into the courtroom and her actions inside the premises. The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, empowers authorities to take action against practices that exploit people through fear, superstition or claims of supernatural powers. The legislation was enacted to prevent activities that can cause physical, mental or financial harm.

Incidents involving alleged black magic practices have occasionally drawn attention in Karnataka, with authorities stressing the importance of awareness and legal action against activities prohibited under the state law. Officials have maintained that investigations should be based on evidence and follow due legal procedures. The Chikkaballapur incident has also sparked discussions about security arrangements in government buildings and judicial institutions. While court premises usually have security protocols, authorities may review procedures to ensure unauthorised activities do not occur in sensitive areas. The police investigation remains underway, and further action will depend on the findings collected during the inquiry. Officials are expected to submit additional details as the legal proceedings against the accused woman move forward.

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