village ritual

A religious practitioner in Dhule has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 33-year-old woman after she resisted his sexual assault. The mantrik then killed her male relative to conceal the crime. He confessed to both murders when questioned by police at his farm, where he was found preparing to bury the second victim's body.

A shocking incident has emerged from Pali district, Rajasthan. An 11-year-old boy was allegedly murdered by a villager. The accused confessed to killing the child on the advice of a tantrik. He believed this act would help him get married. Police have detained the accused and are searching for the tantrik.

A 30-year-old man in Jodhpur was arrested for allegedly abducting and beheading an 11-year-old boy, believing the act would grant him spiritual powers and a heavenly afterlife. The accused, influenced by an occult practitioner, had a history of superstitious rituals, including a previous attempted abduction and animal sacrifice. Police are now searching for the advisor.

Once drawing nearly 5,000 devotees, the annual fishing festival at Khandige has dwindled to a handful of participants this year, with pollution in the Nandini river threatening a centuries‑old tradition.

A wedding in Etah was called off Sunday night after the bride refused to marry the groom, alleging his family concealed a spinal disorder. The groom's struggle to sit upright during rituals raised suspicions, leading to the abrupt return of the baraat. The bride's family discovered the alleged condition after the groom fell during a ceremony.

A wedding in Ballia, Bihar, was called off after the bride rejected a saree presented by the groom's family, deeming it unsuitable. The disagreement escalated into a family clash, resulting in injuries to the bride's mother and brother. The groom's family subsequently left without the marriage taking place.

Jitu Munda underwent a community purification ritual after exhuming his sister's skeletal remains to withdraw her bank deposits. This ritual, involving sacrifices and a feast, allowed him to rejoin his caste group. The incident prompted authorities to expedite death certificates and provide financial assistance.

Locals noticed signs of digging near burial spot of a child who died months ago

Hamlets In Rain-Abundant Bhimashankar And Junnar Struggle In A Harsh Summer

TOI Walks You By Weathered Stones & Forgotten Stories

A tragic incident occurred at Margubai temple in Sangli district when an unfinished wall collapsed and tin sheets were blown away during strong winds and rain. Six people, including a 14-year-old boy, lost their lives, and 13 others were injured. The wall, made of unmortared 'chira' bricks, gave way under severe weather conditions, trapping devotees.

A 47-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary, Isakkiappan, attempted self-immolation in Tirunelveli, reportedly due to frustration over his party leader Vijay's delayed Chief Ministership. Previously known for a unique penance for Vijay's electoral success, Isakkiappan's distress over TVK's political pace led to the incident. Bystanders intervened, and he is receiving intensive medical care.

Gangasagar marks the quiet, yet profound, end of the Ganges' 2,500-km journey, where the sacred river merges with the Bay of Bengal. This unique pilgrimage site, despite its humble, ever-changing landscape, draws thousands annually for the Gangasagar Mela. It offers a powerful spiritual experience, symbolizing the river's ultimate dissolution into something greater.

A man in Sundargarh district has been arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his mentally-challenged aunt. Blood samples from his house are being sent for forensic examination to confirm they belong to the victim. The accused reportedly confessed to the crime, stating the victim died during the assault before he disposed of her body.

In Sundargarh, a 36-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his mentally-challenged aunt. Blood samples from his house are being sent for forensic examination to confirm they belong to the victim. The accused reportedly confessed to the crime, stating the victim died during the assault before he disposed of the body.