THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been revealed that Shafi, the main accused in the Elanthoor human sacrifice case, had started his search for women a long time back. Shafi's friend has revealed that Shafi had told him that he will get lots of money if he gets fat women. He also said that Shafi said that he was looking for fat women for a 'Seth.'

"Shafi told me that he will get Rs 1 crore each for every fat woman. He said that he was searching for fat women for a man called 'Seth' and that he arranged one or two women. He also said that these women will not return later," the friend said. The friend also confirmed that Shafi's wife also knew Seth.

Shafi, who sacrificed Padma and Rosly, had also approached other women selling lottery in Ernakulam city. Some of these women said that he used to constantly follow them and invite them.

"He approached us asking us to go with him to Pathanamthitta and appear for a pooja performed by a couple with divine powers. He also said that we should wear white sarees. However, we told him that it was difficult for us to go to Pathanamthitta which is around 90 km away from Ernakulam. He assured us that if we go there, we can return within 24 hours. If we had gone with him, they would have killed us as well," a woman said.