Goluru village residents of the Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district were shocked when they found a human skull and ritual items, and there are some suspicions of black magic being done in this area.
According to residents, the disturbing discovery was made on Monday. There was a human skull, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), lemons, and other items associated with ritualistic activities.
Many people have speculated that these rituals may have been performed at Amavasya (new moon), a day of religious observances and, in some beliefs, occult practices. But it is not known whether the materials were used for black magic, and the purpose behind the arrangement is unknown.
The skull and bones may have been brought from a nearby cremation ground, villagers say. Some residents have suspected that persons outside the village may have done the alleged ritual before leaving the area.
The incident has caused anxiety in the village, and residents have been going to the place, with many people gathering at the spot after news of the discovery spread. A few villagers have asked the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and find those responsible.
Police are expected to look at the location and check if the skull is of human origin through forensic examination. Investigators will also look at nearby CCTV footage and ask residents how the remains got to the site.
As part of the investigation, officials will send the skull and other materials for scientific examination. The results will be used to determine if any criminal offence has been committed or whether the remains were illegally removed from a cremation ground.
It has been warned that before the investigation is completed and its outcome is known, the public should not spread rumours or draw conclusions in the meantime. “Forensic and police inquiries and the investigation may be necessary,” said the Police Department.
It’s a case that has only served to show the persistent belief in superstition in some parts of the country. And experts and social activists have repeatedly advised people not to conflate unexplained events with supernatural causes without any evidence, and that law enforcement agencies should work as they are supposed to.
To date, the case is still an open investigation, and officials will give more information after investigating all evidence gathered from the scene, they said.
