'Witch doctor' decapitates four-year-old boy in a bid to earn 'divine powers' from a Hindu goddess before villagers catch him and set him on fire in India 

  • Headless body of Manu Sagar, 4, discovered in remote village of Poku
  • Suspected killer Tirumala Rao, 35, chased down by angry residents
  • In hospital after being tired to a tree, doused in petrol and set on fire
  • Thought to have offered the child as a sacrifice to Hindu goddess Kali  

By Sam Matthew for MailOnline

Published: 11:20 EST, 1 October 2015 | Updated: 11:45 EST, 1 October 2015

A suspected witch doctor decapitated a four-year-old boy in a bid to earn divine powers, it has been claimed.

A manhunt was launched by angry villager's after Manu Sagar's headless body was found by his parents in the remote settlement.

His suspected killer, Tirumala Rao, 35, was tracked down, tired to a tree and doused in petrol by angry villagers, who then set him on fire.

A witch doctor has decapitated a four-year-old boy and offered him as a sacrifice to the Hindu goddess Kali. Pictured: A man dressed as Kali (file picture)

A witch doctor has decapitated a four-year-old boy and offered him as a sacrifice to the Hindu goddess Kali. Pictured: A man dressed as Kali (file picture)

Police in Pokur in the Prakasam district of southern India said that it appeared to be a case of human sacrifice, according to The Times of India.

Rao is accused of kidnapping and killing little Manu to offer him up as a sacrifice to the Hindu goddess Kali.

It is believed he thought he would achieve power and wealth.

Rao was rescued from the fire by village elders and was today in hospital, where he was being treated for burns.  

Police were said to have discovered a sickle that was used to decapitate the child in the suspect's home. 

'We will interrogate Rao once he recovers,' said DSP Srinivasa Rao.

While the overwhelming majority of Indians practice mainstream religions, there are occasional reports of human sacrifices in rural area.

An Indian artist works on a clay statue of Kali -- the Hindu goddess of power ©Diptendu Dutta (AFP)

An Indian artist works on a clay statue of Kali -- the Hindu goddess of power ©Diptendu Dutta (AFP)

 

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