In Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, a disturbing and tragic incident has emerged, involving the murder of a young class 2 boy as part of a black magic ritual. The crime has implicated five individuals: Dinesh Bhagal, the Director of DL Public School, his father Jashodhan Singh, and three teachers from the same school—Laxman Singh, Veerpal Singh, and Ramprakash Solanki. They are accused of sacrificing the boy in a misguided attempt to gain fame, wealth, and success for the school.

The investigation, led by local police, revealed that Jashodhan Singh had long held a belief in black magic and occult practices. During questioning, authorities learned that Singh had previously tried to sacrifice another young boy for similar superstitious reasons, though that attempt had failed. This time, however, he enlisted the help of his son and the three teachers, all of whom reportedly shared the belief that the murder of an innocent child would bring them prosperity and prominence.

DL Public School, where the crime took place, is home to around 600 students, many of them very young. The school also operates a hostel for students in classes 1 to 5, where the victim was staying at the time of the incident. The boy, the son of Krishna Kushwaha, a software engineer from Delhi, was found unconscious by classmates and hostel staff. Instead of reporting the incident to the authorities or the boy's family, Dinesh Bhagal attempted to conceal the crime. He removed the boy's body from the hostel and drove through the cities of Agra and Aligarh, trying to cover up his actions. Meanwhile, the boy's family was falsely informed that their child had fallen ill.

When the Kushwaha family arrived at the hostel and could not find their son, they became suspicious. Krishna Kushwaha contacted the police, who quickly launched a manhunt for Dinesh Bhagal. Within hours, the police located the boy's body, which had clear signs of strangulation, indicating a violent and deliberate act. Injury marks around the neck confirmed the brutal nature of the crime.

An autopsy report later confirmed that the boy had died from strangulation and that the murder had occurred on Sunday night, hours before the authorities intervened. Based on the evidence, a case was registered against the five accused under Section 103(1) of the BNS Act, which addresses serious criminal offenses, including premeditated murder.

The involvement of respected individuals, including educators and the director of a school, in such a barbaric act has shocked the local community. Parents of children attending DL Public School are in disbelief, terrified that such a horrific event could have taken place within an institution meant to protect and educate young minds. The use of a school as the backdrop for such a gruesome crime has sparked outrage, not just in Hathras but across India.

This case brings to light the dangerous persistence of superstitions like black magic in some parts of India, even in modern times. Despite significant advancements in education and technology, these deeply ingrained beliefs continue to have a stronghold in certain communities, leading to tragedies like this one. The belief that sacrificing an innocent child could bring fame or success is a chilling reminder of the darker aspects of superstition and the need for increased awareness and education to eradicate such practices.

The police investigation is ongoing, and the five accused are currently in custody. Authorities are probing the possibility that they may have been involved in other similar crimes or rituals. As the case unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for stricter laws and social reform to address the dangerous influence of black magic and superstitious rituals in India.

The tragic death of this young boy has devastated his family and left a nation in mourning. This case highlights the vulnerability of children and the critical need to ensure their safety, especially within institutions like schools that are meant to nurture and protect them. While the legal system will determine the fate of the accused, the emotional scars left on the community and the child’s family will be long-lasting.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)