Kolar Gold Fields, 15 July 

Seven people were arrested after police busted an alleged black magic gang at Aivarahalli village in Kolar Gold Fields.

Police said the accused, Chandra alias Chandrababu, claimed to cure illnesses, drive away evil spirits and remove the effects of black magic through superstitious rituals. Victims were allegedly beaten with sticks, physically assaulted and tortured in the name of treatment. 

Acting on credible intelligence, KGF Superintendent of Police Shivanshu Rajput formed a special team headed by KGF DySP V Lakshmaiah. Officers from Bethamangala Circle and Kyasamballi raided the premises on Monday, arresting Chandra, Chinna, Babu, Shankarappa, Munivenkat Reddy, Bhaskar and Santhosh.

Police rescued six women and several sheep and goats meant for sacrifice.

Rajput commended the police team and urged the public not to fall prey. A case has been registered under the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act and relevant provisions of the BNS.