Woman arrested after CCTV records black magic ritual inside Karnataka court

A 65-year-old woman has been arrested in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur after she was allegedly caught on CCTV performing a black magic ritual inside a courtroom, reportedly in an attempt to influence the outcome of an ongoing civil case.

The accused, identified as Manjula, a resident of Valasanna Beedi in Chikkaballapur town, allegedly entered the court premises and sprinkled consecrated white mustard seeds on the dais of the 1st Additional Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC).

The unusual incident came to light after CCTV cameras installed inside the court captured the act. Court authorities later reviewed the footage and alerted the police.

Based on a complaint lodged by Chief Administrative Officer Netra, the Chikkaballapur Town Police registered a case against Manjula under the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017.

Police said the incident took place two days before the arrest. Investigators suspect the woman carried out the ritual in the belief that it could sway judicial proceedings in a civil dispute in which she was allegedly involved.

Following her arrest, Manjula was produced before a court and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

Officials are now probing the circumstances leading up to the incident and whether anyone else was involved. Police are also examining the exact motive behind the alleged ritual and its connection to the civil case.

The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, enacted in 2017, prohibits a range of practices considered exploitative, superstitious or harmful, and provides for legal action against those found promoting or engaging in such activities.

The incident has drawn attention for its unusual nature, with CCTV footage playing a key role in identifying and tracking the accused.

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