Suspected human sacrifice averted in Maharashtra

A suspected attempt to kill a seven-year-old girl as a part of the ritual for getting `gupt dhan' (hidden treasure) was foiled by the locals at Kisanwadi in the district today, police said.

Four persons have been arrested.

Police said that villagers rushed to a spot outside Laxmi Mata temple at Kisanwadi after hearing a girl's cries.

Seven men had gathered there and dug up a pit. There was also some puja material.

Villagers rescued the girl and handed over four of them to the police, three managed to flee.

Those arrested have been identified as Vijay Surwade, Bhausaheb Gaikwad, Nana Mali and Sanjay Borude, police said.