The Murbad police have registered an FIR against individuals who allegedly forced a senior citizen to walk on burning coals as they suspected that he had been performing black magic rituals. The police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the accused and have arrested three people so far. On March 4, a group of mantriks (people who specialise in chanting mantras) who believe in aghori practices dragged Lakshman Bhavarte, 72, from his residence in Murbad’s Karavale village and forced him to walk barefoot on the burning embers. The matter came to light on March 6, when Bhavarte’s 39-year-old daughter Savita Morey approached the police to register an FIR.

According to the police, around 2.30 am on March 4, the villagers had gathered to witness gondhal—a local art form wherein the villagers sing folk songs and dance to depict mythological stories and folklore. While the event was underway, the group of mantriks forced themselves into Bhavarte’s residence and dragged him to the spot where the villagers had gathered over suspicions that he was practising black magic.