An official said a probe has revealed that the accused was pressuring the man to hand over his daughter for an occult ritual, which he planned to perform to unearth a hidden treasure.

Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart said it will entail a "four-part" ritual. "The overall theme ... has famously tried to install occult statues when states erect statues of the Ten ...

The accused subsequently began harassing the couple, making persistent demands for their daughter’s involvement in an occult ritual. Lokhande allegedly threatened Aher with dire consequences if ...

"The boy was meant to be taken to an altar as part of a ritual, but got killed before the ceremony could be completed ... where belief in witchcraft and the occult is widespread.