Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Jan 19: Panic gripped residents after suspected occult practices were noticed in the Katara area of Bellippady village, under Puttur Rural limits, on Sunday January 18.

The incident came to light at the junction where three roads — Darandakukku, Katara and Anadkka — converge. Locals found several cut lemons, flowers, kolthiri (firecrackers), broken coconuts, red-coloured substances and banana leaves scattered over an area covered with dried leaves. Suspecting this to be a case of vamachara (occult ritual), residents of the area expressed serious concern.

The alleged ritual is said to have been carried out on government land related to the Katara forest, at the road junction where the three roads meet. As the news spread, locals gathered at the spot. It is alleged that unknown persons performed the occult practice at the tri-junction on Saturday night.

At the Katara junction connecting Darandakukku, Katara and Anadkka, several lemon pieces stained red, broken coconut pieces, large-sized kolthiri, red and yellow flowers, and bunches of banana leaves were found at the spot covered with dried leaves. These items were first noticed on Sunday by people heading to the milk dairy.

As the information spread by word of mouth, curious and shocked residents rushed to the spot and gathered there, expressing anxiety over the suspected ritual.