Indian scientists accused of attempting human sacrifice

Oct 11, 2009, 8:32 GMT

   New Delhi - A scientist from India's state-run defence research organization escaped an alleged attempt of human sacrifice by two of his senior colleagues in central Madhya Pradesh state, news reports said Sunday.

   Relatives of the scientist, Sushil Kumar Mishra at the Defence Research and Development Establishment in northern Gwalior city lodged a police complaint accusing his two superiors, M Kameshwar Rao and AS Bhaskar, of trying to kill him to appease the gods, the Asian Age daily reported.

   Mishra's wife Shridha alleged that Rao phoned her husband and called him to his residence on the night of October 6, saying he was not feeling well.

   When Mishra reached the house he saw the other scientist Bhaskar at worship, and the latter asked him to wait awhile.

   'While waiting, Mishra dozed off and woke up to find water being sprinkled on him (as part of rituals). He panicked as he saw his seniors holding sharp-edged weapons, draw closer to him while reciting mantras,' police officer Manohar Verma told PTI news agency.

   Mishra managed to escape after he raised an alarm and the watchman in the area came to his aid. The police were investigating.

   India has a centuries-old tradition of human sacrifices to appease deities, gain prosperity or ward off evil. Some cases are still reported around the country.

   Police say Gwalior's human sacrifice bid was surprising because such cases are usually reported from among India's illiterate and superstitious tribal populations.

   The Indian hinterlands have reported many instances of people sacrificing their children or cutting off their tongues or body parts to please gods or goddesses.