Full moon 'human sacrifice' plot busted in Bengaluru; 8-month-old saved from ritual pit in nick of time

First supermoon of 2026, also known as wolf moon, was visible on Jan 3 (Image generated by AI)

• Officials rescued an 8-month-old baby from suspected ritual sacrifice near Bengaluru
• The couple had illegally adopted the child and obtained a fake birth certificate
• Police to file charges under black magic and child protection laws

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Authorities in Bengaluru (Rural) have launched a comprehensive probe after officials, acting on an anonymous tip-off, rescued an eight-month-old baby from a house in Sulibele village, Hoskote, on Saturday. The intervention is suspected to have prevented a ritualistic child sacrifice allegedly intended to unearth hidden treasure.

The alert was raised when an anonymous caller contacted the national child helpline (1098) at approximately 10.40 am, warning that an infant was about to be sacrificed by his parents on the full-moon day. The caller provided a vague address and a mobile number before disconnecting.

Despite the initial challenge in pinpointing the location, officials from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Childline traced the house to Janata Colony. District Child Protection Officer Anita Lakshmi, cited in a TOI report, stated that while the informant appeared confused upon a callback, the team successfully identified the property.

Upon entering the house, officials made a disturbing discovery: a freshly dug pit, approximately 2.5 feet by 2 feet, in the living room. Ritualistic materials including incense and flowers were also reportedly found. The couple residing there, identified as vendors Syed Imran and his wife, could not provide a consistent explanation for the pit’s purpose.

Lakshmi reportedly said the that the team's priority was securing the child. When officials inquired, the couple claimed the infant was at a relative's house — an account they found highly suspicious. The officer questioned the logic, asking why both parents would be home without an eight-month-old baby. After sustained pressure from the officials, the child was brought to the house by a neighbour and immediately taken into protective custody.

Police, who had arrived to assist, subsequently detained the couple for questioning. Preliminary investigations revealed they were not the child’s biological parents. A senior police officer disclosed that the infant had been illegally adopted from daily-wage workers in Kolar nearly a year ago. The biological parents are currently untraceable and efforts are underway to locate them.

According to a News18 Kannada report, the couple had obtained a fake birth certificate for the boy and retained an agreement made with his biological father. The couple have denied any intention of human sacrifice.

The rescued child was shifted to a rehabilitation centre, where officials confirm he is in good health and responding well to caregivers. The District Child Protection Officer stated that the infant was fine and adjusting well with staff, adding that while the immediate danger had passed, the case must be taken to its logical conclusion.

Based on a complaint from the child protection authorities, which includes photographic evidence of the pit, police are set to register a case under the stringent Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, alongside relevant child protection statutes. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has also initiated a probe encompassing the illegal adoption and the broader context of superstitious practices.