Woman Held for Attempted Human Sacrifice of Minor Daughter in Jeypore

Bhubaneswar/Jeypore: In a shocking incident suspected to be linked to human sacrifice, a woman allegedly attempted to kill her 13-year-old daughter in Jeypore town of Odisha’s Koraput district on Sunday. The minor was rescued in time and police have launched a detailed investigation.

According to reports, the accused has been identified as Ambika Khosla, a widowed woman and mother of three, residing at the Irrigation Colony in Jeypore. Locals alleged that she had been practising sorcery for the past few days and was worshipping Goddess Kali. Her daughter, meanwhile, was a regular church-goer, which had reportedly led to frequent objections from the mother.

Police said the woman allegedly tried to sacrifice her daughter by beheading her inside their house. The incident came to light after neighbours heard the girl’s screams and immediately alerted the police.

A police team rushed to the spot, rescued the minor girl, and secured the accused. A sword and several puja materials were reportedly recovered from the house.

Local residents claimed that the woman had earlier expressed anger over her daughter’s religious practices. However, some neighbours also alleged that the accused may be suffering from mental health issues and had displayed abnormal behaviour in the past.

Police officials said a case has been registered and the circumstances leading to the incident are being thoroughly investigated. Steps are also being taken to ensure the safety and protection of the minor girl.