KOCHI: Muhammad Shafi, who planned the horrifying human sacrifices at Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta, is also the main accused in the rape of a 75-year-old lady at Kolencherry in Ernakulam.

He committed the crime in August 2020. The old lady sustained serious injuries after the rape. Muhammad Shafi served in jail for one year for the crime. He eventually got bail in the rape case and got out of prison.

Before long, he planned and executed another more gruesome and terrifying crime that shocked Kerala.

He convinced Bhagaval Singh and his wife, Laila, that human sacrifice can remove the curse that has befell the family and also gain prosperity. He came into contact with Bhagaval Singh through a fake Facebook account in the name of Sreedevi. He told Bhagaval Singh of a holy man in Perumbavoor named Rashid and made Bhagaval Singh believe that prosperity will come to his family if Rashid is satisfied.

Rashid then visited Bhagaval Singh’s house and engaged in sexual intercourse with his wife while he looked on. He told that this act will increase spiritual powers.

He then convinced the couple that if a human sacrifice is done, more prosperity will come to the family. Rashid also promised to bring the women needed for the sacrifice.

Rosly, a ticket vendor, was taken to the house for sacrifice after luring her with Rs.10 lakhs for acting in a porn movie.