Murders linked to black magic

Cops have begun to identify a pattern in the Cuffe Parade double murder case, leading them to probe the possibility of black magic as a major motivating factor for the killer/s.

"We are thoroughly working on that angle, as the emerging pattern points towards it," said a senior police official involved in the investigation of the case.

Two minor girls — both around 2-3 years of age — were found murdered in the same area of Cuffe Parade within a few months of each other. On the night of October 20, Jagruti Patel went missing from the footpath where her family slept; her body was found about 23 days later in a highly decomposed state. Similarly, on January 17, another girl, identified as Karishma Chavan, went missing from the Sassoon Dock area. Her mutilated body was found a day later.

Sources claim the investigation has revealed four facets. First, both victims were found wrapped in hand-woven blankets. Secondly, even though Jagruti's body was highly decomposed, some flesh was missing from one of her arms. Third, both girls had earrings missing. Finally, blood-stained stones were discovered near both bodies.

“We have formed a special team which is working on this angle, and questioning people indulging in black magic and other related stuff,” said another officer privy to the investigation.

Interestingly, although the police so far maintain that the girls were not raped, sources within the department have not ruled it out completely. The medical reports are still awaited.

In a similar situation in 2010, when three minor girls were found raped and murdered in Kurla, the cops had discerned a pattern and begun working on this same angle. Hundreds of tantriks, sadhus, babas and black magic practitioners were questioned and their roles investigated.